If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident in the UK — whether as a pedestrian, cyclist or rider — you may be able to claim compensation. E-scooter casualties are rising sharply: government figures record 1,484 casualties including 10 deaths in 2025, a 67% increase in fatalities on the previous year. Private e-scooters are illegal on public roads, which creates unique insurance and liability issues. Rental-scheme scooters carry insurance; private ones do not, so the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) may need to be involved. You normally have three years to bring a claim.
E-scooter accidents present a novel and fast-changing area of personal injury law. The legal status of e-scooters, the insurance position and the question of who is liable differ depending on whether the scooter is a government-approved rental or a private one. This guide explains the legal position, who can claim, the insurance routes available and the typical compensation process. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Legal status of e-scooters in the UK
Under UK law, e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles because they have a motor. That means they are subject to the same requirements as cars and motorbikes: registration, insurance, driving licence and MOT. Since privately owned e-scooters cannot currently be registered or insured for road use, riding a private e-scooter on a public road, pavement or cycle lane is a criminal offence — the scooter can be seized and the rider fined.
The only legal way to ride an e-scooter in public is through a government-approved rental trial scheme. These rental scooters are insured by the operator, which simplifies the compensation picture if an accident occurs.
Who can claim and against whom?
| Scenario | Claim against |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rental e-scooter rider | The rider, via the rental operator's insurance |
| Pedestrian or cyclist hit by a private e-scooter rider | The rider personally, or the MIB if rider is uninsured/untraced |
| Rider injured by a negligent car driver | The driver, via their motor insurance |
| Rider injured by a defective rental scooter | The rental operator (product liability or negligence) |
| Rider injured by a road defect (pothole, obstruction) | The highway authority (council) under the Highways Act 1980 |
The MIB and uninsured e-scooter riders
Because private e-scooters are motor vehicles under UK law but cannot be insured, riders are effectively uninsured motorists. If you are injured by a private e-scooter rider, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) — the body that compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers — may be able to meet the claim. The process is more complex and slower than a standard insured claim, but it means you are not left without a route to compensation. See our MIB guide for more detail.
Can I claim if I was riding illegally?
Yes, but with a complication. If you were riding a private e-scooter (illegally) and another road user caused the accident — a car driver who failed to give way, for example — you can claim against that driver. However, the court may apply contributory negligence, reducing your compensation because you were riding an uninsured, unregistered vehicle on a public road. The reduction depends on the facts; it could be significant if your illegal riding contributed to the accident, or modest if it did not.
You cannot claim against your own non-existent insurance for a single-vehicle accident on a private e-scooter.
Time limits
The standard limit is three years from the date of the accident (Limitation Act 1980, England and Wales). For MIB claims involving untraced riders, you should notify the MIB as soon as possible. Children have until their 21st birthday. See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. E-scooter claims involve evolving law and insurance complexities. Use the SRA register and Law Society "Find a Solicitor" to find a personal injury solicitor experienced in road traffic and MIB claims. Citizens Advice provides free initial guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I was hit by an e-scooter?
Yes. If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an e-scooter rider due to their negligent or illegal riding, you can make a personal injury claim against that rider. If the scooter was a rental from an authorised trial scheme, the operator carries insurance. If it was a private e-scooter (illegal on public roads), the rider may be uninsured, and you may need to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Are private e-scooters legal in the UK?
No. As of 2026, privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to ride on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes in England, Wales and Scotland. Only e-scooters hired through government-approved rental trial schemes can be used legally on public roads. Riding a private e-scooter in public is an offence and the scooter can be seized.
Can I claim if I was injured riding a private e-scooter?
Potentially, but it is more complex. If another road user such as a car driver caused the accident, you can claim against them. However, because you were riding illegally, your compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence. You cannot claim against your own private e-scooter as there is no insurance policy to respond.
What if the e-scooter rider is uninsured?
The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers, and e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under UK law. If the rider cannot be identified or has no insurance, a claim to the MIB may be possible, subject to its rules and time limits.
How long do I have to claim?
The standard time limit is three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980 in England and Wales. For MIB claims involving untraced drivers, you must apply within three years but should notify the MIB as soon as possible. Children have until their 21st birthday.
What compensation can I receive?
Compensation covers general damages for pain and suffering, guided by the Judicial College Guidelines, plus special damages for financial losses including lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and care costs. The amount depends on the type and severity of your injury.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) — claims against uninsured/untraced drivers
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
- GOV.UK — e-scooter legal status and rental trials
Related guides: road traffic accident claims, cycling accident claims, pedestrian accident claims, MIB uninsured driver claims, and no win, no fee explained.