E-scooters are illegal to use in Bromley in all public areas except on private land with the landowner’s permission. Bromley is not part of the existing rental hire scheme run by the Department of Transport and therefore there should not be any e-scooters in any public areas, including roads, paths, public spaces and cycle lanes.
E-scooters background
An e-scooter comes under the terms of a “powered transporter”, a personal transport device which is powered by a motor and fall within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle”. Therefore, the laws that apply to motor vehicles apply to powered transporters.
An e-scooter will continue to be known under the sub-category of a motor vehicle and;
- is fitted with only an electric motor with a maximum continuous power rating of 500W and does have fitted pedals that are can move the vehicle forward
- is designed to carry only one person
- has a maximum speed not exceeding 15.5 mph
- has 2 wheels, 1 front and 1 rear, which are aligned in the direction of travel
- does not exceed 55kg, excluding the rider
- has means of directional control via the use of handlebars that are mechanically linked to the steered wheel
- speed is controlled with hand controls and a power control that defaults to the ‘off’ position
Under UK law it is illegal to use a powered transporter
- any person who uses a powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space is in breach of the law and is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted.
- in spaces for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders such as the pavement and cycle lanes
When using an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine, penalty points on your licence, and the e-scooter could be impounded. If you do not have a licence, one will be created against your name and the points placed on it even if you are underage. These are registered with the DVLA via the court system and may remain on your record for up to 11 years. Penalty points that are still valid, will be attached to that licence.
Under UK law it is legal to use a powered transporter
- only on private land with the permission of the landowner
- Under existing trials by approved rental companies. These are being held throughout the country with the agreement of the Department of Transport. These trials will create the evidence and data necessary to guide final decisions about whether and, if so, how to fully legalise e-scooters.