Electric scooters

Hi all,

I have been looking at these cool new electric scooters up here in Oregon and I was wondering if they are common in England.   Also, does anyone know what the licensing situation is for them?  Does one need a full driver's license to drive them?

Thanks,

Kathleen

They're not very common, I don't think, but they are available.   You need a moped driving license to drive one, insurance, tax disc but the tax is free as the government wants to encourage their use, and you need a helmet.  Rules for Moped driving licenses at http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/rdmcycle.htm

If you hold a full USA license for driving a small vehicle, as a new resident you can drive a small vehicle in the same category for up to a year on that license while you get your UK license and testing done, provided that your USA license remains valid.  See http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drvingb.htm.

Here in the states you don't need one, but I definatley wouldn't recommend one for anyone under 18.  My nephew who is 10 got one as a present and the second day he had it, he busted himself up pretty good, my other 13 year old nephew (who was set to leave to the Cayman Islands the next day) crashed and broke his collar bone in two places, therefor unable to go on his trip, and my mom crashed and busted up her leg and knee! LOL 

OT, but I can't resist. Get a bicycle instead! Don't need a license/insurance/helmet to drive it.

Ok well if people are going to cycle in the Uk may I take this opportunity to remind them that the  Highway Code does apply to them http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/03.shtml

Sorry for the hijack, I am just really fed up with having cyclists smash into me on pedestrian crossings because they think traffic lights don't apply to them.

If people are going to drive in the UK may I take this opportunity to remind them that motorists are responsible for far more death and destruction than cyclists could ever hope to be, and to quote sarge from Hill Street Blues, 'Let's be careful out there'. I've been knocked down by cars and by bicycles; one guess which is worse .

My apologies for leading this thread astray.

I hope you weren't looking at me when you said that - I don't drive or cycle - I am a humble pedestrian/public transport user - but I do look forward to running a few people over with a pram in the near future 

sorry - now back to the electric scooters!