Back in 2024, I shared my frustrations with the UK's painfully slow progress on e-scooter legislation in Electric scooter laws in the UK: 2024 update – what’s taking so long?. Fast forward to 2025, and not much has changed — at least officially.
Private electric scooters are still illegal on public roads and pavements. But if you're anything like me and have a passion for micromobility, you’re probably wondering: will 2025 finally be the year things move forward?
Let’s take a fresh look at where we stand, what might be changing, and what all this means for those of us riding electric unicycles, one wheels, and other PLEVs.
Why is the UK So Slow to Legalise PLEVs?
The UK's hesitation in legalising private PLEVs like e-scooters and electric unicycles is rooted in some seriously outdated legislation. The 1835 Highways Act, alongside the Road Traffic Act, forms the backbone of transport laws today. These laws classify motorised vehicles strictly, leaving no room for the nuance of modern micromobility.
While other nations have updated their frameworks to accommodate new technologies, the UK has remained bogged down in bureaucracy. By contrast, e-bikes were swiftly embraced, largely because they could be slotted into existing bicycle laws with minimal changes. That same adaptability hasn’t extended to powered transporters, leaving us in legislative limbo.
Electric Scooters UK Law 2025: What’s the Current Status?
As it stands, private electric scooters remain illegal on UK public roads, cycle paths, and pavements. This dates back to the 1835 Highways Act and the modern Road Traffic Act, which basically make it impossible to legally ride a privately-owned e-scooter on public land.
You can only legally use rental e-scooters within government-approved trial zones. You need at least a provisional driving licence (Category Q), and these rentals are capped at speeds of 15.5 mph. The penalties for private use can be harsh: £300 fines, six penalty points, and even having your scooter seized.
But here’s the thing — in reality, police enforcement varies wildly by area. My local police, for example, seem to take a more pragmatic approach. I regularly zip around on my electric unicycle, and as long as I'm riding sensibly, fully lit up, and wearing visible safety gear, I’ve never been stopped. Others aren’t so lucky. In cities like London and Manchester, there are regular reports of scooters being seized during targeted crackdowns. Some police forces have issued public guidance confirming they'll prioritise more serious offences over PLEV use, while others are less forgiving. It really is a postcode lottery.
Why Are Private E-Scooters Still Illegal?
The government remains cautious, mainly due to safety concerns. There have been some serious accidents involving e-scooters, which understandably raises alarm bells. Disability rights groups and pedestrian advocates have also voiced concerns about scooters on pavements and shared spaces. Though this issue mainly applies to rental electric scooters, not privately owned PLEVs.
Without a robust framework covering things like insurance, speed limits, and rider training, policymakers seem reluctant to give private scooters the green light. It’s the classic UK approach: cautious, bureaucratic, and slow.
2025 Legal Updates & Expected Timeline
Officially, the government says nothing will change until after summer 2025. The then Transport Secretary Louise Haigh confirmed this in 2024, so any hopes of a quick turnaround are pretty much dashed.
However, things have started to move since Heidi Alexander took over as Transport Secretary in late 2024. She has publicly acknowledged the safety risks of unregulated private e-scooter use and, as of July 2025, has introduced a Government Bill aimed at tackling dangerous riding and setting the stage for clearer regulation. It’s still early days, but this is the first meaningful step towards formal legislation.
There are other glimmers of progress:
Baroness Vere is pushing for a new vehicle classification called Powered Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). This would cover e-scooters, unicycles, and one wheels.
The Crime and Policing Bill could give police new powers to clamp illegally-used e-scooters without warning.
Scotland might lead the way with rental trials expected within the next nine months.
Sources:
Despite Legal Delays, the Private PLEV Market is Thriving
Interestingly, despite the legal deadlock, the privately-owned PLEV market in the UK appears to be thriving. Sales of e-scooters, electric unicycles, and one wheels remain buoyant, showing that consumer demand isn't waiting for the law to catch up.
While exact figures for private e-scooter sales in 2025 aren’t publicly available, projections show the UK electric scooter market is expected to reach around £45 million in 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.91% until 2030, according to Statista. This figure includes both private sales and shared/rental schemes, but it’s clear that interest in micromobility is only accelerating.
Popular models driving sales have better battery life, enhanced safety features, and a growing community, it's no wonder people are investing despite the risks.
Predictions for Private Use Legalisation (2025-2027)
Most experts predict:
Late 2025: Legislation for PLEVs could finally get introduced.
2026: We might see a formal framework and pilot schemes.
2027: Fingers crossed, we could get full nationwide legalisation.
Expected rules could include:
Speed limits (12.5–15.5 mph)
Mandatory lights, reflectors, bells
Insurance requirements
Minimum age (16+)
No riding on pavements
Possibly mandatory rider training
What About Electric Unicycles & One Wheels?
Ah, the poor unicycles and one wheels. Like their scooter cousins, these are still classed as Powered Transporters and are technically illegal on public roads and pavements.
Yet many will argue that unicycles and one wheels are inherently safer in some respects. EUC riders typically invest in full safety gear: helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and high-vis jackets. The skill ceiling is higher, but so is the safety culture.
Community advocacy is growing too, with active Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and forums where riders share tips, routes, and even legal advice. There’s a genuine grassroots push to have these devices recognised distinctly from e-scooters.
Some people with disabilities have managed to register their PLEVs, including unicycles, as invalid carriages with the DVLA. I wrote about this process in How I Registered My PLEV as an Invalid Carriage in the UK. That said, registration alone doesn’t magically make them street-legal.
Insurance & Legal Responsibility
Right now, you can’t get insurance for private e-scooters or unicycles on public roads — because legally, you shouldn’t be riding them there.
When legislation does come, expect to see mandatory third-party insurance, along with provisional licence requirements and possibly some form of safety training. Future tech might even integrate app-based insurance checks, speed limiters, and anti-theft measures.
International Comparisons
Let’s face it: the UK is behind. Here’s how some other countries compare:
| Country | Legal Status | Max Speed | Age Limit | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Legal | 20 km/h | 14+ | Yes |
| France | Legal | 25 km/h | 12+ (helmet under 12) | Yes |
| Netherlands | Legal | 25 km/h | 16+ | Yes |
| Finland | Legal | 25 km/h | 15+ | Yes |
| Singapore | Legal (restricted) | 25 km/h | 16+ | Yes |
Many US states also have their own varying laws, with some like California requiring helmets and speed limits under 15 mph.
Future Tech & Policy Predictions
What could future UK PLEV legislation include?
Here's what I expect:
Tamper-proof speed governors to prevent illegal modifications.
Remote immobilisation for stolen devices.
App-linked insurance verification, so if you’re uninsured, your device may restrict speed or functions.
Dedicated PLEV lanes in urban areas to separate micromobility from pedestrian spaces.
Future Outlook & Tips for Riders
If you’re a fellow PLEV enthusiast, here’s my advice:
Stick to private land if you’re using your own device.
If you want to ride in public, rentals are still the safest (legal) bet.
Wear a helmet, use lights, and ride predictably.
Keep up with advocacy efforts and petitions pushing for legal reform.
Stay informed and share updates with fellow riders.
Being responsible on the roads (or private paths!) will only strengthen our case when legislation finally catches up.
Conclusion
So here we are in 2025: still waiting, but with faint glimmers of hope. With the proposed PLEV classification, there’s cautious optimism that by 2026 or 2027, we’ll finally see private e-scooters, unicycles, and one wheels made legal.
Until then, ride safe, stay visible, and let’s keep pushing for progress. If you missed my earlier deep-dive on the state of play last year, catch up here: Electric scooter laws in the UK: 2024 update – what’s taking so long?.
I’ll keep you posted when things finally change—because they have to, right? Share your riding experiences or run-ins with the law in the comments or drop me a message—I’m always curious to hear how others are navigating this grey area.