What is an E-Scooter?
Electric scooters—commonly known as e-scooters—are similar in design to traditional two-wheeled scooters but are powered by an electric motor. These vehicles typically reach speeds of up to 15 mph and are required to have both front and rear lights when used legally on public roads.
To ride an e-scooter legally in public, users must hold a full or provisional driving licence (car or motorcycle). While wearing a helmet is recommended for safety, it is not currently a legal requirement.
Are E-Scooters Legal?
In the UK, only e-scooters that are rented through government-approved trial schemes are legal to use on public roads. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public highways, pavements, and cycle paths—they are permitted only on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Despite their increasing popularity, e-scooters have raised safety concerns. More than 70 people have reportedly been injured in trials across the country, including at least 11 who suffered serious injuries.
Know Your Rights – Have You Been Injured in an E-Scooter Accident?
If you’ve been injured by a motor vehicle while riding a rented e-scooter, and the driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation. In most cases, the driver’s insurer will be liable. If the driver is uninsured, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) may step in to cover your claim.
However, claims involving pedestrians injured by e-scooter riders can be much more complex:
- If the e-scooter was part of a government trial, the rental company should have provided insurance.
- If the e-scooter was privately owned, insurance is not required—and these vehicles are illegal to use on public roads and pavements. In such cases, the rider is committing a criminal offence.
- Unfortunately, because privately owned e-scooters are typically uninsured, claims for pedestrian injuries can be difficult to pursue unless the rider has personal means to pay compensation.
- The MIB will not cover accidents involving illegal use of private e-scooters.
What Should You Do After an E-Scooter Accident?
If you are a pedestrian involved in an e-scooter collision, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible at the scene, including:
- The rider’s name and address
- Any available insurance details
- Photographs of the scene and damage
- Contact details of any witnesses
Even if the claim may seem complicated, it is still worth seeking legal advice.
How Acclaim Solicitors Can Help
E-scooter accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries, and the legal landscape around them continues to evolve. At Acclaim Solicitors, our team of specialist personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in handling complex and unusual claims.
We can advise you on:
- Whether you have a valid compensation claim
- What options are available if the responsible party is uninsured
- Recovering costs for medical treatment, loss of income, and other damages
Let us help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Acclaim Solicitors today for expert advice and compassionate legal support.