Adult Electric Scooters Explained
Despite their increasing popularity, electric scooters cannot be legally operated on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements. E-scooter owners in the UK are restricted from riding their vehicles in certain areas under current laws. Here is everything you need to know to find the right adult electric scooter for you!
What is the legal status of adult electric scooters?
If you obtain permission from the land owner, you can ride an electric scooter on private property. Electric scooter trials are also being run by the UK government in cities and regions throughout the country, including Cambridge, Liverpool and Nottingham, to see how the public adapts to the new mode of transportation. In public places, such as streets and sidewalks, it is illegal to use an electric scooter. Your driver’s license might be suspended if you are caught, and you could receive a fine as well as penalty points. There is also the possibility of having your e-scooter impounded.
Are electric scooters going to be legal soon?
There is a lot of pressure being put on the government to change the current rules by MPs and transport organisations.
Do electric scooters have a limit on how far they can go?
There are several factors to consider, including your particular brand of e-scooter, the battery size and the remaining charge, as well as what types of routes you travel on. Electric scooters will last longer if they are used on flat terrain rather than if they are used on hills.
Safety tips for using adult electric scooters
The safety of e-scooters on public roads is understandably a concern for many pedestrians and other road users, whether they are being used illegally or being rented out. Furthermore, riders themselves are at risk and must keep themselves safe at all times. While riding an electric scooter, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Put your thumb and forefinger firmly on both tyres to check their pressure. Unless the tyres are pumped up, ride the scooter only when they feel firm, as underinflated tyres are less stable and more likely to skid.
- While you’re riding, make sure your handlebar and wheels are aligned. Hold the front wheel tight between your feet and stand in front of the scooter to check the stem bolts. It is safe to ride if the wheel and handlebars are still aligned after twisting the handlebars firmly in either direction.
- The law doesn’t mandate helmets, but you should wear one anyways. If you want to become more visible, you may want to wear clothing that is brightly coloured or fluorescent.
- There are some precautions you need to take when using an electric scooter as they are very heavy and can weight up to 24kg. They still move with quite a bit of force even when they’re traveling at very low speeds.
- Only one person is allowed on an electric scooter and it is unsafe to transport a passenger. The standing board of the scooter can only accommodate one person, and adding another person can shift the balance unexpectedly.
- If it’s raining, make sure to be extra cautious as rain extends braking distances and increases chances of skidding.
What is the price of an electric scooter?
Depending on what electric scooter features you value, you will be able to determine how much you should pay. It is possible to pick up an adult model for £250 that has a very basic feature set. These models, tend to have lower durability frames and minimal suspension, and limited on-board controls. It is not uncommon for high-end models to cost more than a thousand pounds. This price will significantly extend the range between charges of electric scooters.
Charging an electric scooter
Depending on the scooter, it can take anywhere from five to sixteen hours to a full day to charge. Ensure that you do your research before deciding on a specific model and that you know how long it takes to charge.
Charge times can differ depending on the kind of battery used. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter than lead-acid batteries and charge faster. A lead-acid battery takes much longer to charge than a Lithium-ion battery and is less expensive upfront, but has a shorter lifespan.
Typically, all you have to do is plug in a cable and turn on the mains power to charge your electric scooter. Check the scooter’s user manual or manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure where the charging port is located.
It can be a little challenging to remove the battery from an electric scooter if it comes with a removable battery. Under the deck, you will likely find the batteries, which you can remove with a screwdriver. You will be able to charge your scooter at home or at work once you have removed the battery.
Calculating costs
Knowing the size of the battery and how much electricity you use will help you figure out how much you’ll spend on charging.
Battery maintenance for e-scooters
Make sure to charge the battery whenever possible – don’t wait until it’s completely dead to charge it. The cable that came with your scooter when you first purchased it should be used when your scooter needs a charge. When your cable is lost, do not use third-party cables because voltages can differ and you may damage your battery. Take a removable battery out of its charging case first, then turn off the power.
How are e-scooters regulated?
Currently, e-scooters are considered “powered transporters” because there is no specific legislation governing them. Consequently, they are subject to the same laws and regulations as other motor vehicles, including specific construction requirements, taxation, licensing, and MOT tests.
Despite this, e-scooters cannot be legally driven on roads because their rear red lights are not usually visible, number plates aren’t always visible, and they have no means of signaling.
Public roads, cycle lanes, and pavement are not permitted for the use of private e-scooters. Government-backed trial programs are the only way to use e-scooters on public roads.
Are driving licenses required?
You must have category Q entitlement on your driving license to use an e-scooter from an official trial. Permissions for category Q are included in full/provisional UK driving licences.
E-scooters do not require L-plates if you have a provisional license. However, the use of an e-scooter is not permitted if you have an overseas provisional license.
Is it likely that the law will change in the future?
Roads but not pavements should be legalised for e-scooters, according to the Transport Committee.
It says allowing wider use of e-scooters would:
- To make travel more affordable for people from all backgrounds
- Travel time is often shorter than that of a car
- Compared to other forms of transportation, they are clean and low-carbon.
Get the best adult electric scooter for you!
Are you looking for a scooter with the right specification and for the right price? Electric England have a wide range of adult electric scooters to meet your needs and all the expertise to answer any questions you have!
Take a look and find the scooter for you today!