Apr 07, 2025 || by TangJaney

Can a 12-Year-Old Ride an Electric Scooter in the UK?

Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in the UK, offering an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transport. However, their use is subject to strict regulations, especially when it comes to younger riders. If you're a parent or guardian wondering whether a 12-year-old can safely and legally ride an electric scooter, it’s essential to understand the specific laws in place.

Can a 12 year-old ride an electric scooter uk?

Yes—but only on private land.

In the UK, it is illegal for anyone to ride a privately owned electric scooter in public places. That includes roads, pavements, cycle lanes, parks, and other shared spaces. Even if the rider is wearing a helmet and supervised by an adult, riding in public areas is still not allowed.

However, there is one important exception:
👉 Riding on private land is legal, regardless of age—as long as you have the landowner’s permission.

This means a 12-year-old can ride an electric scooter in a private driveway, garden, private estate, or any area that is not accessible to the general public. It's a great way for kids to enjoy e-scooters safely and legally, without risking fines or confiscation.

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What about rental e-scooters?

These are only available to people aged 16 and over who hold a UK driving licence (with Category Q entitlement). So a 12-year-old cannot use any e-scooter rental services—even on private land.

Are kids' electric scooters illegal in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, the use of privately owned kids electric scooters (e-scooters), including those designed for children, is subject to specific legal restrictions.

Riding e-scooters is legal only on private land with the explicit permission of the landowner. However, It is illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, and other public areas. Therefore, while it is legal to purchase e-scooters for children, their use is restricted to private property.

Are electric scooters safe for 12 year olds?

Electric scooters can be safe for 12-year-olds—but only under the right conditions and supervision. Their safety depends on factors like the scooter’s design, where it's used, the child’s maturity, and whether proper safety gear is worn.

When Electric Scooters Can Be Safe for 12-Year-Olds:

Used on private land only (in the UK, public use is illegal for children).
Low-speed models designed specifically for children (typically max 10–12 mph).
Helmet and protective gear (elbow/knee pads, gloves) are worn at all times.
Flat, obstacle-free surfaces (like a driveway or smooth backyard) are used.
Adult supervision is present, especially for younger riders.
The child understands and follows basic rules of use (no reckless riding, no riding near roads, etc.)

What safety equipment should your kids wear when driving an e-scooter?

When your kids are riding an electric scooter, safety gear is essential—not optional. Even on private land, accidents can happen. Here's a list of the must-have and good-to-have safety equipment:

🪖 Must-Have Safety Gear:

Helmet (Certified)

Most important protection.
Look for helmets that meet EN 1078, CPSC, or ASTM safety standards.
Should fit snugly and cover the forehead.

Knee Pads

Protect against scrapes, bruises, and joint injuries in a fall.

Elbow Pads

Help prevent fractures and cuts during a sideways fall.

Wrist Guards

Kids naturally put their hands out when falling—wrist guards protect against sprains or breaks.

👕 Highly Recommended:

Gloves

Improve grip and protect hands from scrapes.

Closed-Toe Shoes (Preferably with good tread)

Never ride in sandals or barefoot.
Trainers or skate shoes are ideal for grip and foot protection.

Bright or Reflective Clothing

Even on private land, this makes your child more visible if riding near dusk.

Long Sleeves and Pants

Offers extra protection for skin in case of a fall.

💡 Optional but Useful:

Hi-vis Vest (especially if riding near driveways or dusk)
Lights or Reflective Strips on the Scooter
Bell or Horn (if riding where others might walk by)

Final Tips:

Make sure the scooter itself has functioning brakes and speed limits appropriate for the child's age.
Do a quick gear check before every ride—helmet fit, pad straps, and scooter condition.
Supervise younger children closely, and establish clear riding rules (no stunts, no racing, stay in sight, etc.)

How old do you have to be to ride an electric scooter?

In the UK, the age limit for riding an electric scooter depends on the type of scooter and where it is being used.

For privately owned electric scooters, the law only permits them to be ridden on private land, with the permission of the landowner. There is no legal minimum age for using a privately owned scooter on private property, although it is generally recommended that children be at least 12 years old, and always under adult supervision while wearing appropriate safety gear. However, it is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter in public places, such as roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or parks, regardless of the rider’s age.

For rental electric scooters that are part of government-approved trial schemes in certain cities, the minimum age for riding is 16 years old. Riders must also hold a UK driving licence with Category Q entitlement. As such, children under 16 cannot legally ride rental e-scooters, even in the areas where they are trialled.

Type of E-Scooter	Where You Can Ride	Minimum Age
Privately Owned	Private land only	No legal limit (parent discretion)
Rental (Trial)	Certain public roads (trial areas only)	16+

Can a 12 year old ride an electric bike in the UK?

A 12-year-old child is not legally allowed to ride an electric bike on public roads or pavements in the UK. It's essential to ensure that any use of EAPCs by minors occurs in compliance with local laws and on appropriate private or off-road areas.

Final Words

While a 12-year-old can ride an electric scooter in the UK, it must be on private land with the landowner’s consent. Public use of privately owned e-scooters is illegal, regardless of the rider’s age. Safety should always be a priority, with appropriate gear such as helmets, knee pads, and adult supervision being crucial. Rental e-scooters, on the other hand, are reserved for riders aged 16 and over with a valid UK driving licence.

FAQ

Can you ride a scooter at 14 in the UK?

In the UK, you cannot legally ride a privately owned electric scooter on public roads or pavements at any age, including 14. However, rental e-scooters may be used in designated areas under trial schemes, but you must be 16 or older to ride one.

Can a 7 year old ride an electric scooter?

Can a child ride an electric scooter on the pavement?

It is illegal for individuals of all ages, including children, to ride e-scooters on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or any other public spaces in the UK. This restriction applies to both privately owned and rental e-scooters.

Can a 13 year-old ride an electric scooter uk?

A 13-year-old cannot legally ride an electric scooter on public roads or pavements in the UK. They may use e-scooters on private property with appropriate safety measures and the landowner's consent.

Can a 10 year-old ride an electric scooter uk?

A 10-year-old cannot legally ride an electric scooter on public roads or pavements in the UK. They may use e-scooters on private property with appropriate safety measures and the landowner's consent.

Can a 11 year-old ride an electric scooter uk?

During government trial schemes, the minimum age to rent and ride e-scooters is typically 16. Therefore, an 11-year-old cannot legally ride a rental e-scooter on public roads or paths within these trial areas.

Regardless of age, it is illegal to use privately owned e-scooters on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes in the UK. Such e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner's permission.