Half of Brits unaware e‑scooters illegal on roads
More than half of British adults are unaware that riding a privately owned e‑scooter on public roads is illegal, a new Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) survey shows.
Survey reveals a widespread knowledge gap
The not‑for‑profit MIB released data indicating that 55 percent of adults do not know the law forbids private e‑scooters on streets and cycle lanes. Only rental‑based micromobility vehicles, available through approved trials, can be used legally on public thoroughfares. Those rentals include third‑party motor insurance and require renters to hold a valid driving licence.
Angus Eaton, chief executive officer at MIB, said the findings point to “a worrying gap between how commonly people use micromobility vehicles and how well they understand the law around them.” He added that many riders “simply don’t realise that riding a privately owned e‑scooter on public roads is illegal, and that means they’re riding uninsured.”
Financial and legal consequences rising
Since 2019, compensation claims from e‑scooter collisions have topped £100 million. The bureau noted a 73 percent increase in claims between 2023 and 2025, reflecting both higher injury severity and greater incident volume. Injuries reported include traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures and soft‑tissue damage.
Riders of private e‑scooters face the same penalties as drivers without insurance. Potential sanctions include vehicle seizure, six penalty points on the licence and an unlimited fine. If an accident causes injury to others, the rider could be personally liable for compensation costs, which the MIB would then have to cover.
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Riders often overlook the law.
MIB steps up public education
In response to the data, MIB is intensifying outreach efforts and collaborating with the government on its Road Safety Strategy. The bureau aims to clarify the legal status of e‑scooters and emphasize the need for proper insurance coverage.
E‑scooter users should remember that only rental models approved under trial schemes are covered by mandatory insurance. Private owners, meanwhile, have no available policies, leaving them exposed to legal and financial risk.
Overall, the MIB’s findings highlight a pressing need for clearer communication about e‑scooter regulations. As the popularity of these devices grows, so does the potential for costly accidents and legal complications for uninformed riders.
