Personal electric vehicles (PEVs) β such as electric skateboards, electric scooters, hoverboards, and electric unicycles β are growing in popularity as fun, convenient, and eco-friendly ways to get around. However, before you hop on one, itβs essential to understand the legal rules in the UK, especially when it comes to riding on public roads and pavements. Ignoring these rules can lead to hefty fines and penalty points on your driving licence.
The Real-World Case: Electric Skateboard Rider Fined and Penalised
In June 2021, a man from Wells, Somerset, made headlines after being fined Β£300 and receiving six penalty points for riding an electric skateboard on a public road. Benjamin Cullen was stopped by the police while riding on Priest Row. He was charged with driving without insurance, without an MOT, and without a valid driving licence β offenses taken seriously by UK authorities. Along with the fine and penalty points, he had to pay court costs, highlighting the risks of riding privately owned electric skateboards in public.
What Are Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs)?
UK law classifies devices like electric skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, and electric unicycles as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). These are electrically powered individual transport devices. While they are legal to own and sell, their use in public spaces is heavily restricted.
Understanding the Legal Restrictions for PLEVs in the UK
- Private use on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes is illegal unless the PLEV is part of a government-approved rental scheme.
- Rental schemes require the vehicles to be insured, registered with the DVLA, and ridden by someone holding a valid driving licence.
- Riding a privately owned PLEV on public roads without these legal requirements can result in prosecution, fines, penalty points, and possible confiscation.
Government Trial Areas for Electric Scooter Use
The UK government has authorised trial schemes in specific areas allowing the legal use of rental electric scooters on public roads. These pilot schemes are designed to gather data and assess safety, usage, and infrastructure needs. Current trial locations include:
- Greater London (selected boroughs)
- Birmingham
- Brighton and Hove
- Bristol
- Coventry
- Derby
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Milton Keynes
- Manchester
- Nottingham
- Portsmouth
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- Warrington
- West Midlands
Riders in these areas can legally use rental electric scooters following scheme rules β including holding a valid provisional or full driving licence and riding on roads and cycle lanes (but not pavements). Private electric scooters or skateboards are still not permitted.
The Awareness Gap: Many Riders Donβt Know the Rules
One of the biggest issues with personal electric vehicles is that many riders are simply unaware of the legal restrictions. Electric skateboards and scooters often look like toys or bicycles, leading people to believe they can be used freely on pavements and roads. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding leads to frequent illegal use, which in turn results in fines, penalty points, and sometimes vehicle confiscation. Raising awareness about the legal framework is crucial to keeping everyone safe and avoiding costly penalties.
What Are the Possible Penalties?
Riding an unapproved PLEV in public can lead to:
- Fines from around Β£100 up to Β£300 or more.
- Penalty points added to your driving licence (or future licence).
- Court costs and potential vehicle seizure.
- Charges such as driving without insurance or without a valid licence.
Are Pavements or Cycle Lanes Allowed?
No. Riding electric scooters or skateboards on pavements is illegal because these vehicles are considered motor vehicles under UK law. Similarly, private PLEVs are not permitted on cycle lanes, as they do not legally count as bicycles.
How to Stay Safe and Legal
- Use PLEVs only on private land with permission.
- If you want to use PLEVs in public, look for government-approved rental schemes in the trial areas.
- Stay updated with local regulations and upcoming government legislation β laws on PLEVs are evolving.
- Always wear protective gear and ride responsibly.
Conclusion
Personal electric vehicles offer an exciting way to travel, but the current UK laws are clear: private use on public roads and pavements without proper licensing, insurance, and registration is illegal and punishable by fines and penalty points. Staying informed and compliant ensures your safety and helps you avoid costly penalties.
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