Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Friday, 13 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 March 2026. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Monday, 30 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Electric Bicycles and Electric Scooters: Sales

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the unrestricted sale of e-scooters and e-bikes that do not meet the legal requirements for road use; and what steps they plan to take to prevent such vehicles entering circulation.

Answer

E-bikes and e-scooters must comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 to be placed on the UK market.

While it is not illegal to sell an e-scooter for use on private land, retailers are breaking the law if they knowingly mislead a buyer or do not make the legal restrictions on e-scooter use sufficiently clear. To provide a more proportionate and agile process for regulating e-scooters, the Government has committed to pursuing legislative reform when parliamentary time allows.

Regarding e-bikes, those that do not comply with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 are treated as motor vehicles. They cannot therefore be legally used on the road unless they are approved and registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency, taxed and insured.

It is for the police to take enforcement action where such vehicles are used on the road illegally, and the Government will continue to support the police to ensure they have the tools needed to enforce road traffic legislation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15541
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Roads Regulation Safety Sales Electric scooters Electric bicycles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk