Buying e-scooters safely

Thinking about buying an e-scooter? Learn more about the law and purchasing your e-scooter safely in our handy guide below.

It’s easy to understand e-scooters’ appeal, as they offer an easy and green alternative to other methods of travel. If you’re renting from the provider of an official scheme, they can also be an affordable and convenient way to get to where you need to go. However, as a relatively new way of getting around, lots of people just don’t know what the law is when it comes to e-scooters, or how to make sure they’re staying safe while riding or purchasing the item.

Across the UK, e-scooters can only be used on public roads if provided by a licensed operator. Trials are currently being run throughout England and you can see a full list here to find one near you. Currently, official trials are currently only being undertaken in England, meaning that there are no trials taking place in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

When using these schemes, make sure you’re driving responsibly and using the roads or cycle paths. You will also need to have at least a provisional driving licence. 

However, people may also wish to purchase an e-scooter for their own private use. If you do, it’s important to know the law – private e-scooters should only be used on private property with permission from the landowner. 

Using a private e-scooter on public roads is illegal and could result in a fine or points on your driving licence. E-scooters, either rented or private, should never be used on motorways.

If you’re looking to purchase your own e-scooter, knowing what to look out for to keep yourself safe is essential. It’s vital you take the appropriate precautions to avoid unnecessary risks. 

When looking for a private e-scooter, you should make sure that it has been manufactured by a reputable company. You should also ensure the item you’re buying isn’t subject to a product recall. You can check this here. 

Alongside these measures, check what the correct manufacturer-approved charger is for the e-scooter. A fake charger will not be up to standard, and could lead to malfunctions resulting in fires. 

Beyond that, you should ask all the usual questions to get a sense of the product’s condition. For example, ask how the e-scooter has been used previously. Was it used often? How far has it travelled? It’s also important to check whether the current owner has experienced any issues in the past. These questions will all help ensure you are buying e-scooters safely.

If you decide to purchase a private e-scooter, it’s important to care for it correctly to make sure you and your home are safe. 

Avoid storing e-scooters in communal areas or exit routes so that people can leave the building easily in case of an emergency. E-scooters should also be kept in a cool environment, and avoid extremes of either heat or cold. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions so that you’re following the product guidelines which are designed to keep you safe. This is particularly important for the battery.

If you spot an issue, don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, contact the manufacturer or a professional repair service. 

For more detailed advice, the National Fire Chiefs Council has some useful pointers on its website. 

But don’t forget – buying an e-scooter isn’t the only way to take advantage of micromobility. If you’re in an area with an official trial, you may be able to use rental e-scooters to get around your local neighbourhood. For more tips on safely buying on Gumtree, check out our Safety Hub.