Electric scooters and the law

Lmg80 · 23 Aug 2021 at 20:13

So back to work, I'm on the lookout for an electric scooter. I used to have a kick scooter, but the pricing on an electric options makes it an attractive alternative as I have a up hill jaunt!

I'm a little lost with the remit of the law, any ideas what's required where you can ride them etc, where to get insurance etc?

My route will be on a bike lane/I have a driver's license.

Thx

Lmg80 · 23 Aug 2021 at 20:31

I was in Cardiff and they were everywhere.
Might need to explore fold up bike instead for now

Lmg80 · 23 Aug 2021 at 21:13

drakulton said:
e-scooters are only for fat kids.

I'm not fat, just big boned

.

In all seriousness, my own googling has come to same conclusion thanks all.

Any recommendations on am electric bike that can fold up. Budget about £500

Lmg80 · 25 Aug 2021 at 17:50

Seems to be a few ebikes on Gumtree and FB market place. I guess it's pot luck if the battery is any good! But kinda nearer my £500 budget!

Anyone know now to check a battery or is it just going to be a gamble.

Lmg80 · 25 Aug 2021 at 17:53

touch said:
Ok, i see. I still don't think that would be simple. What differentiates an escooter from other vehicles?
Want to drive a car but don't have a licence? Just limit it to 15mph and call it an escooter.
Motorbike failed it's MOT? Limit to 15mph, call it an escooter and keep riding it on the road.

Good luck balancing a Harley at 15mph

Lmg80 · 25 Aug 2021 at 18:13

Delvis said:
It's the same issue though, get caught using it, get points on your license potentially

A electric assisted bike i.e with pedals is legal right?

Lmg80 · 25 Aug 2021 at 18:41

SexyGreyFox said:
Easier to get a 2nd hand bike off Gumtree and then convert =

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393177920365

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124339651351?epid=15048523663&hash=item1cf3388317:g:A10AAOSwzv5g1URA

I've done quite a few conversions

Thanks for this.

Lmg80 · 26 Aug 2021 at 14:19

Bit the bullet, and given I needed something that folded to fit in a pug 107 boot have ordered a Fiido D2S for £484

Lmg80 · 31 Aug 2021 at 18:08

As an update, my new D2S is awesome. I'm pretty fit, so laziness aside I go running circa 5 times a week so the electric option was purely from a speedier commute back to my car to then drive home to spend what time left in the day with my family.
I did a 12 mile ride yesterday, 6 miles purely on legs alone and then home I confess I used it on the hills and giggles.
Whilst it's not a rocket ship due to the law prohibiting it from going north of 15.5mph, it's effortless when used.
It has a twist and go option (non legal twist only) that when combined with pedalling and twist sees it hit the max speed.
The only negative is it weights more than I expect from a aluminium alloy frame, but that's only a real concern 'if' I'm left short on power.