Electric scooters have rapidly grown in popularity across the UK, offering a modern, convenient, and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. But despite their growing presence, the rules around where electric scooters are legal remain confusing for many riders. The UK has not yet fully legalized privately owned electric scooters for public road use, and this often leads to uncertainty about where they can be ridden. What is allowed, however, is the use of government-approved rental e-scooters in designated cities and regions. These rental schemes have created a patchwork of cities where riding an e-scooter is officially permitted under specific guidelines.
This comprehensive city-by-city guide explains where electric scooters are legal in the UK, how these legal zones work, what the rules are, and what new riders should expect. Whether you’re considering using a rental scooter or just want to understand the legal landscape, this article provides clarity and detailed insight into how e-scooter legality differs across the country.
Understanding the Legal Situation in the UK
Before breaking down the city-by-city list, it’s important to clarify the legal foundation. In the UK, privately owned e-scooters cannot currently be used on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or any public path. They are only legal to ride on private land with landowner permission. The reason is that electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles, meaning they would require registration, insurance, and compliance with standards — something that private scooters cannot yet meet.
However, in 2020 the government introduced controlled rental e-scooter trials in select cities. These scooters meet specific safety and performance criteria, making them temporarily legal within trial zones. The trials are ongoing and have expanded significantly, with more cities added every year. This has created a growing list of cities where you can legally ride an electric scooter, but only if it’s part of an authorized rental program.
How Legal Rental Schemes Work
Legal e-scooter use is limited to rental scooters provided by approved operators. These scooters meet national safety standards, come with liability coverage, and include features such as capped speeds, built-in lighting, and GPS-based geofencing. Geofencing allows local authorities to create slow-speed zones, no-ride zones, and compulsory parking areas, ensuring safer operation in busy urban spaces.
To ride legally, you must meet a few basic requirements such as:
- Being at least 16 years old
- Having a valid driving license (including provisional)
- Following the Highway Code
- Riding only within designated areas
These rental scooters are allowed on public roads, cycle lanes, and specific shared spaces, depending on the city’s guidelines.
Cities Where Electric Scooters Are Legal in the UK
Each city listed below has an active e-scooter rental scheme approved by its local authority. The list continues to grow as more regions participate in the national trial program.
Keep in mind: This guide applies only to legal rental e-scooters, not private ones.
London
London is one of the most significant regions with legal e-scooter trials. Selected boroughs participate in the scheme, allowing riders to use rental scooters on public roads and cycle lanes. Each borough may have slight variations in rules, but the overall structure is consistent: riders must rent through an approved operator and follow city regulations. London’s trial zones also include slow-speed and no-go areas around pedestrian-heavy districts.
Manchester & Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester operates authorized e-scooter rental trials through specific boroughs. These areas permit legal riding within defined zones, with clear boundaries showing where scooters can be used. Manchester’s participation has helped grow familiarity with e-scooters among commuters and students, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and widespread public transport use.
Birmingham & the West Midlands
The West Midlands region, including Birmingham, is one of the most active participants in the national trial. Riders can use rental e-scooters across designated districts, with structured rules around speed limits, parking bays, and riding zones. Birmingham’s large student population and commuter network make it a prominent area for legal e-scooter usage.
Bristol
Bristol has a well-established trial program, making rental e-scooters a common sight on its streets. The city’s dedicated cycling network, hilly terrain, and green-transport initiatives have made Bristol a strong supporter of sustainable mobility. Riders here must follow rules that include designated riding areas and strict parking regulations.
Nottingham
Nottingham’s trial scheme allows rental e-scooters across several key areas of the city. Scooters can be used on public roads and approved lanes, with operating boundaries that ensure safe navigation through both busy and quieter parts of the city. Nottingham has been a consistent part of the national trial program.
Liverpool
Liverpool has one of the widest operating zones for trial e-scooters, making them a convenient option for city navigation. The scooters are commonly found in key travel corridors, near universities, and around the city centre. Riders must stay within defined boundaries and use dedicated parking zones.
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes was one of the earliest adopters of rental e-scooters and remains one of the most e-scooter-friendly cities. Its grid road system, wide pathways, and modern infrastructure make riding highly accessible and comfortable. The flat terrain also makes it ideal for beginners.
York
York’s trial supports riders across selected parts of the city. Because of its historic city centre and narrow pathways, geofencing is highly active to limit speed in sensitive areas. Riders can use scooters on approved routes and must follow city-specific parking guidelines.
Cambridge
Known for its strong cycling culture, Cambridge has also embraced e-scooter trials in certain zones. These areas offer legal riding opportunities that blend well with the city’s emphasis on environmentally friendly travel.
Other Participating Cities
Dozens of additional UK cities and towns also host rental e-scooter trials. These may include:
- Oxford
- Reading
- Portsmouth
- Coventry
- Southampton
- Slough
- Redbridge
- Derby
- and many more
The number continues to grow annually as cities look for sustainable transport options.
Why Private Electric Scooters Are Still Not Legal
Even though rental scooters are allowed in many cities, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal for public use. This is because private scooters cannot currently meet the required regulations for insurance, number plates, registration, braking standards, and lighting systems. Until national legislation is updated, private e-scooters can only be used on private land.
Many riders mistakenly assume that legal rental schemes automatically mean private scooters are legal too, but this is not the case. Local authorities and police can still issue fines or even seize privately owned e-scooters used on public roads.
Safety and Riding Requirements in Legal Cities
Wherever rental e-scooters are allowed, riders must still follow important safety rules. These include riding responsibly, avoiding pavements, respecting speed limits, and parking only in designated areas. Many cities use “go-slow zones” where the scooter automatically limits its speed for safety. Some areas have “no-ride zones,” usually around pedestrian-heavy districts or historic landmarks.
Helmets, while not always mandatory, are strongly recommended for new riders.
Recommended Products
1. Electric Scooter Outdoor Helmet
A lightweight riding helmet designed to stay cool during long rides while offering strong protection. Ideal for daily scooter commuters.
2. Portable Electric Scooter Bag
2L large capacity allows this electric scooter bag to hold wallet, phone, keys, earphones, sunglasses, charger, flashlights, gloves and so on while travelling.
Final Thoughts
Electric scooter legalization in the UK is evolving rapidly. While privately owned e-scooters remain restricted, rental trials have created a network of cities where e-scooters can be enjoyed safely and legally. These trial zones continue to expand, giving riders more opportunities to adopt eco-friendly and efficient travel.
If you are planning to ride legally in public, ensure that you use an approved rental scooter within a designated trial city. Understanding your city’s boundaries, speed limits, and parking rules will help you travel safely and confidently. As the UK moves toward future legislation, the experience gained during these trials will likely shape a more scooter-friendly future nationwide.