Safe Use of E-Scooters and E-Bikes: What You Need to Know Before You Ride

A New Form of Transport, A New Set of Risks

E-scooters and e-bikes have grown dramatically in popularity across the UK, offering a convenient, environmentally friendly, and often genuinely enjoyable way to get around. They have also introduced a specific set of safety risks that are less well understood than those associated with traditional cycling or driving, partly because the technology is newer and partly because the legal landscape around them is genuinely confusing. Riders who are clear on the rules and properly equipped are much safer than those who are not.

The Law: Private E-Scooters Versus Rental Schemes

The legal position of e-scooters in the UK is something many riders are unaware of, with significant safety and legal implications. Privately owned e-scooters are not legal to ride on public roads, cycle paths, or pavements in England, Scotland, or Wales. They are only legal to use on private land with the landowner's permission. This has been the law since 1835 under the Highways Act and has not changed despite widespread use. Riding a private e-scooter on public roads is illegal and can result in a fine, penalty points on a driving licence, and confiscation of the scooter.

Rental e-scooter schemes operated under government trials in specific UK cities are legal to use on public roads and cycle lanes. These schemes require riders to have a driving licence or provisional licence, to register with the scheme, and to follow traffic laws. Check whether a rental scheme operates in your area and whether you meet the eligibility criteria before using one.

E-bikes (electrically assisted pedal cycles) are legal to ride on public roads provided the motor does not exceed 250 watts, the motor cuts out at 15.5 mph (25 km/h), and the rider pedals to activate the motor. You do not need a licence to ride a legal e-bike, and you do not need to register it. E-bikes that exceed these specifications are classified as motor vehicles and require registration, insurance, and a licence.

Essential Safety Equipment

A helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment for e-scooter and e-bike riders. Rental e-scooter schemes require helmets; private e-scooter riders and e-bike riders are not legally required to wear one, but head injuries account for the majority of serious e-scooter-related deaths and injuries. Choose a helmet that meets EN 1078 (cycle) or higher standards, that fits correctly, and that is replaced after any significant impact even if it appears undamaged.

Visibility is critical. Bright or reflective clothing, front and rear lights (legally required on e-bikes between sunset and sunrise, and strongly recommended at all times for both e-bikes and legal rental e-scooters), and a rear reflector significantly reduce the risk of being in a collision. Many e-scooter and cycling injuries occur because drivers simply did not see the rider.

Gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads provide meaningful protection in a fall, particularly for newer riders. Falls from e-scooters tend to be forwards, and the instinctive response is to put your hands out, which results in wrist and hand injuries. Protective gloves specifically designed for scooter or cycling use offer palm protection that standard gloves do not.

Riding Safely

E-scooters and e-bikes accelerate more quickly than the rider's experience may lead them to expect, particularly at higher power settings. Take time to familiarise yourself with any vehicle in a safe, open area before riding in traffic. Know how the brakes work and how much stopping distance you need at different speeds before you need that knowledge in an emergency.

Do not use a phone while riding. The one-handed or no-handed operation required to use a phone while riding an e-scooter is far more dangerous than using a phone while cycling, because e-scooters have smaller wheels that are more sensitive to surface irregularities. Earphones also significantly reduce your ability to hear approaching traffic, warnings from other road users, and hazards you cannot see.

Be particularly cautious on wet roads. E-scooter braking distances increase substantially on wet surfaces, and small wheels are more vulnerable to loss of traction in wet conditions than larger bicycle wheels. Reduce speed in wet weather and increase following distances from vehicles ahead.

Battery Safety: A Growing Fire Risk

Lithium-ion battery fires in e-scooters and e-bikes have become a significant and growing safety issue in the UK. London Fire Brigade reports a substantial increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, many of which occur during charging. These fires are extremely fast-moving, produce toxic gases, and have caused deaths in residential fires.

Only use the charger provided with your vehicle or a manufacturer-approved replacement. Cheap third-party chargers and non-original batteries are a primary cause of battery fires. Never charge an e-scooter or e-bike overnight while you are asleep, or while you are away from home. Never charge in a hallway, on a staircase, or near an exit, as a fire in these locations blocks escape routes. Charge in a room with a working smoke alarm, ideally with a door that can be closed to contain a fire.

If a battery catches fire, do not attempt to extinguish it with water. Get out of the building immediately, close doors behind you, and call 999. Lithium-ion fires burn at extremely high temperatures and can re-ignite after appearing to be extinguished; only the fire service has the equipment to deal with them safely.