Once upon a time, any 17-year-old could ride any powered two-wheeler of unlimited size and performance - now it's a little more complicated.
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If an e-scooter is restricted to 15mph, a motor of 250 watts output or less, and weighs less than 40kg, it is legally an electric bicycle and can be ridden by anyone aged 14 or under. They require no registration documents, number plates, tax disc or MOT. The rider does not need to be in possession of a licence. These bikes are not listed on this page.
If an e-scooter is restricted to 30mph, the law treats it as a 30mph 50cc petrol scooter. They cannot be ridden on motorways. Riders must wear a helmet and the scooter needs a registration document, number plate and (once it's three years old) an MOT. E-scooters must carry a tax disc, but as with all electric vehicles, road tax is free.
If you don't have a car licence:
Can be ridden by anyone aged at least 16 with a Provisional moped licence and a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate. These riders have to wear L-plates and cannot carry a pillion. To ride without L-plates, they must take a further practical and theory test. CBT costs £70-£100, and includes both off-road and on-road riding and training. The pass certificate is valid for two years, or if you pass the car test in the meantime, lasts forever.
If you do have a car licence:
If your Full car licence was obtained before 1st Dec 2001, you can ride a 30mph e-scooter without L-plates or a CBT certificate. If it was obtained after 1st Dec 2001, you must have a CBT certificate first.
These are treated as small motorcycles. Car licence holders can no longer ride them without taking the motorcycle test. Scooters/motorcycles up to 11kw (ie everything except the Vectrix VX-1 and Quantya) can be ridden on a category A1 licence by a 17-year-old after they have completed the practical and theory motorcycle tests on a 75-125cc bike.
The alternative category A licence is valid for two-wheeler of any size and power, obtainable by anyone 17 years upwards. 17-20 year olds are restricted to bikes of up to 25kw and a power/weight ratio of 0.16kw/kg (i.e. every e-scooter/motorcycle currently on the UK market) for two years. Aged 21 and over, there is no restriction once you've passed the motorcycle test.