E-scooters and the Law
It is currently illegal to use privately owned e-scooters in Coventry anywhere except on private land. They may not legally be used on pavements and certainly not on roads.
E-scooters that are part of a UK government trial, currently being run in several cities, may be used on the road but there are many conditions, as listed below.
There is currently a trial in the grounds of the University of Warwick. You need to install an app on a smartphone to use one. See the Voi website for details.
Contents of this page
The Law about using trial e-scooters
Driving Licences
You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter. A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes entitlement for category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter.
If you have a provisional licence, you do not need to show L plates when using an e-scooter.
If you have an overseas driving licence, you can use an e-scooter if you:
•have a valid full licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country (so long as this does not prohibit you from driving low-speed mopeds and motorcycles)
•have a valid full licence from another country that entitles you to drive a small vehicle (for example, cars, mopeds or motorcycles) and you entered the UK within the last 12 months
You cannot use an e-scooter if you have an overseas provisional licence, learner permit or equivalent.
Insurance
E-scooters must have motor insurance, but you do not need to arrange this as this will be provided by your e-scooter rental operator.
Helmets and clothing
You should wear a cycle helmet when using an e-scooter. Helmets are recommended but are not a legal requirement.
Where you can use a trial e-scooter
You may use a trial e-scooter on the road (except motorways) and in cycle lanes.
You must not use an e-scooter on the pavement.
Registration plates and vehicle excise duty
E-scooters do not need to be registered, display registration plates or pay vehicle excise duty.
However the Voi E-Scooters have a registration which is 4 digits long and can be found in 4 places on the scooter.
Other safety rules for e-scooter users
•e-scooters should only be used within the local area hosting the trial
•e-scooters should be used by one person at a time.
•you must not tow anything using an e-scooter
•you must not use a mobile phone when using an e-scooter
•you may use a screen to display navigation information, but this must be set up prior to setting off
•always ensure bags or other small items you are carrying will not cause a danger to you or others around you – for example, never hang them from the handlebars
•you should not ride an e-scooter while drunk or otherwise intoxicated – you may be prosecuted under drink or drug driving laws as careless and dangerous driving offences also apply to users of e-scooters
•you should also refer to the terms of use of the e-scooter operator before renting a trial e-scooter