Do you need a licence for electric scooters?

Do you need a licence for electric scooters?

Electric scooters, like electric cars, are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to petrol powered vehicles. Not only are they greener, they're cheaper to run too, as they only require a few hours of charging. If you're considering buying an electric scooter you might have wondered whether you need a licence to ride one in the UK.

The M488 Electric Folding Scooter

The M488 Electric Folding Scooter isn't currently counted as a legal road vehicle in the UK. This is because, more than anything, it only has a top speed of 15mph. This means it wouldn't be safe to use on a public road, as it would be dangerous around cars. They are only legal to use on private land, and only with the landowners permission.

While this does mean they're not suitable for a commuting vehicle, it also means you don't have to have a licence to ride one. They can be ridden by anyone over the age of 14, providing it's on private land. The scooter is incredibly easy to use and so doesn't require any formal training.

Electric Kickstand Scooter

If your electric scooter goes over 30mph it is classed as a full road vehicle, and follows the same rules as a 50cc petrol scooter. This means you need a valid CBT at the very minimum, but that you can also hold a full motorbike licence. Electric scooters still have quite small engines, and so they have a low top speed. This means they're particularly suitable for young riders, for the same reasons as 50cc scooters.

Because they follow the same rules as a 50cc scooter you would still need everything else: insurance, L-plates, and you wouldn't be able to carry passengers if you only hold a CBT. However, electric scooters are exempt from road tax, which is something that makes them quite appealing to riders looking to save money.

If you're looking for a cheap and economic road vehicle, you can't go too wrong with an electric scooter. They're easier to run than a petrol scooter, and require the same training. The M488 scooter is ideal if you want something for getting around on private land, but remember they're not legal to use on the road. While this might put you off, it does mean you don't need any kind of driving licence to ride them.