Walking everywhere because your e-scooter is “illegal” isn’t safety — it’s bad law.

The UK is stuck enforcing outdated rules while the rest of Europe moves forward.

Electric scooters are already part of everyday life in the UK. They’re affordable, convenient, and far greener than cars — yet private e-scooter riders are trapped in legal limbo.

Right now, the law is confusing and inconsistent. Private electric scooters are only permitted in limited trial schemes, with rules varying from place to place. This uncertainty benefits no one: riders don’t know where they stand, pedestrians feel unprotected, and police are left enforcing legislation written long before modern micromobility existed.

The UK urgently needs a clear, nationwide legal framework for private electric scooters.

Legalisation must go hand-in-hand with regulation — setting clear rules on where scooters can be used, appropriate speed limits, safety equipment requirements, and penalties for dangerous behaviour. Clear rules mean safer streets, fewer conflicts, and greater confidence for everyone.

Other countries have already shown this works. Germany, France, and many EU nations have successfully legalised and regulated electric scooters, making them a safe and common alternative to cars for short journeys. The UK risks falling behind by clinging to outdated laws while others modernise.

Proper regulation would also:

👉 Encourage safer scooter design and innovation

👉 Attract investment and create jobs

👉 Reduce congestion and pressure on public transport

👉 Cut emissions and support climate targets

Most importantly, legalisation would replace confusion with common sense — protecting pedestrians while allowing responsible riders to travel legally and safely.

It’s time for the UK government to act.
We need modern, practical legislation that recognises private electric scooters as a legitimate form of transport and sets clear, enforceable rules for their use.

Sign this petition to support the legalisation and regulation of private electric scooters in the UK — and help build a safer, cleaner, more sensible transport system for everyone.