Electric scooters have quickly become one of the most popular modes of transport for both adults and children in the UK. They offer a fun, eco-friendly, and efficient way to get around — but there’s still plenty of confusion about age limits, especially for younger riders.
So, how old do you have to be to ride an electric scooter in the UK? The answer depends on whether the scooter is privately owned or part of a government-approved rental scheme. If you’re shopping for a child, it’s essential to understand both the legal requirements and the recommended safety guidelines before purchasing from a trusted children’s scooter UK store.
As of 2025, UK law distinguishes between private electric scooters and rental e-scooters:
Privately Owned E-Scooters
Rental E-Scooters (Government Trials)
This means that children and teenagers under 18 are not legally allowed to use rental scooters on public roads or shared spaces.
For privately owned e-scooters, manufacturers often set their own minimum age recommendations based on design, speed and power.
Here’s a general guide:
At iScooter’s children’s scooter UK store, every model is designed with age-appropriate power levels, durable builds, and safety features such as non-slip decks, LED lights, and stable tires — ensuring your child rides safely within their age range.
Age guidelines aren’t just about law — they’re about safety and physical development.
Children’s motor skills, balance and judgment improve with age. Riding a scooter that’s too fast or heavy for their ability increases the risk of accidents. Manufacturers consider these factors when designing scooters for specific age groups.
Additionally, younger children should only ride under adult supervision and in safe, enclosed environments like gardens or driveways.
Under UK regulations, children can legally ride e-scooters only on private property. Suitable places include:
Public roads, parks and pavements remain off-limits for electric scooters, regardless of age. Parents should ensure their child understands these boundaries before riding.
Before allowing a child to ride, make sure they have the right protective gear. This includes:
Teaching children basic road awareness and control — such as braking gently and avoiding sudden turns — also helps build long-term safe riding habits.
Even though children can ride scooters on private property, adult supervision remains very important. Parents should:
Explaining the reasoning behind various laws is also beneficial in helping children comprehend the need to ride responsibly.
Focus on the following points when selecting a scooter:
iScooter’s kid-friendly collection provides multiple models designed for different age brackets, ensuring both fun and safety are prioritized.
So, how old do you have to be to ride an electric scooter in the UK?
For younger riders, choosing an age-appropriate scooter from a trusted brand is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. To find models built specifically for children aged 6 and above, visit iScooter’s children’s scooter UK store and explore their full range of high quality, safety-focused electric scooters for kids.
Yes, but only on private property with adult supervision. Public roads and pavements remain off-limits for children.
You must be 18 or older and hold at least a provisional driving licence.
Yes, many brands, including iScooter, design e-scooters with speed limits, lightweight builds and safety features ideal for children.
No. It’s illegal to ride any electric scooter (private or rental) on pavements or public roads unless part of a licensed trial.
A lightweight model with adjustable speed settings, stable tires, and a low deck height for better balance.
