An update from the MIB on the tricky issue of e-scooters;
An organisation supporting people injured by e-scooters and e-bikes has called for greater education and awareness around the law and impact on victims after new figures revealed the total incurred cost of compensation claims has surpassed £100 million since 2019.
MIB, the not-for-profit that compensates victims of uninsured and hit-and-run collisions – including those involved micromobility, such as e-scooters – has released new data showing an ongoing increase the severity of injuries, the number of claims submitted to MIB and the costs associated with compensating victims. The number of claims grew by 73% in just two years, between 2023 and 2025.
It is currently illegal to ride a privately owned e‑scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in the UK.
Under current UK law, e‑scooters are classed as motor vehicles. This means they require both a driving licence and insurance. As there are currently no insurance products available for private e‑scooters, anyone riding one in public is automatically driving uninsured. Government-approved rental e‑scooters that are insured as part of official trials are legal to be used in public, however private e‑scooters can only be legally used on private land.
Electric bikes are only legal if they meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, including a maximum motor power output of 250W and assistance that cuts out at 15.5mph. If these limits are exceeded however, for example by higher-powered or throttle-only bikes, they may be classed as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements.
Despite the growing use of micromobility vehicles, public understanding of the legal position, particularly for private e‑scooters, remains low. A recent YouGov survey highlights just how widespread this lack of awareness is as more than half of adults (55%) in the UK are unaware that privately owned e-scooters are illegal on public roads.
It is clear that confusion outweighs knowledge when it comes to e‑scooter rules in the UK and public understanding of e‑scooter legality remains far behind awareness of other road laws.
This lack of clarity means many people may be unknowingly putting themselves and others at risk.
Behind every claim is a person affected. Incidents involving micromobility vehicles can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. Claims received by MIB caused by micromobility collisions have included:
- Traumatic brain injuries, with long-term cognitive and physical effects
- Complex fractures, requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation
- Soft tissue injuries, such as ligament damage and severe bruising, causing ongoing pain and mobility issues.
These injuries can have lasting consequences, not only for those directly involved, but also for their families, livelihoods and mental wellbeing.
MIB is working closely with the government to support their efforts to regulate micromobility
as part of their Road Safety Strategy. It’s also continuing to strengthen its work to educate and inform the public about uninsured driving and the risks associated with micromobility use, helping people better understand their responsibilities on the road. More information and guidance on how to stay compliant and safe can be found at: mib.org.uk/micromobility
Riding an e‑scooter, or other form of micromobility, illegally carries the same penalties as uninsured driving, including:
- Vehicle seizure and potential destruction
- An unlimited fine if taken to court
- Six penalty points on your licence
- A potential driving ban
- Higher insurance premiums in the future
Where a rider does not yet hold a licence, the DVLA can create a “ghost licence,” meaning penalty points will still apply later. If a collision results in injury, riders can also be personally liable for compensation costs, which can be substantial and long-lasting.
MIB is calling for greater awareness of micromobility laws to help people make informed decisions and reduce the risk of avoidable harm.
Angus Eaton, Chief Executive Officer at MIB, said: “We’re seeing a worrying gap between how commonly people use micromobility vehicles and how well they understand the law around them. Many people simply don’t realise that riding a privately owned e‑scooter on public roads is illegal, and that means they’re riding uninsured.
“The consequences of a collision can be severe including serious injuries like brain trauma and complex fractures that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.
“This is why improving awareness is so important. When people understand the rules and the risks, they’re in a far better position to make safe and informed choices.”
It’s no different to when major UK High Street retailers freely sold “drones” to members of the public, despite the strict laws around their use. The Public wrongly assume that a product must be safe/legal because otherwise shops wouldn’t be able to sell them.
I saw a (privately-owned) e-scooter rider pass a Policeman at low speed on the pavement this morning and no action was taken, so it’s a low level “crime” that no one seems willing to tackle……but it is having an increasingly big impact, with Motor Premiums increasing, more residential fires and criminal activity.