Electric Scooters

On private land with the landowner's permission. Not on public roads, not on pavements, not on cycle lanes. The Department for Transport's rental trials are the only public-road exception, and they do not cover privately owned scooters. Riding one on a public road risks a fine, penalty points and the scooter being seized, because in law it counts as a motor vehicle that cannot be registered or insured.

The rules are under review and have been for some years. If that changes, it changes for machines that meet whatever limits are set, which most of the models here would still exceed.

Stated power decides hill climbing and acceleration, not just top speed. A single 500W to 800W motor handles rolling ground; dual-motor models are aimed at tracks and rough terrain.

Manufacturer range figures are measured on the flat, at moderate speed, with a light rider. Expect noticeably less in real use, exactly as with an electric bike.

Brake type first: at these speeds and weights, hydraulic discs are worth the difference over drum or electronic braking. Then tyre size and suspension, which decide comfort far more than the motor does. Then the folded dimensions, if it has to go in a car boot.

Every product page lists all four. If you were looking for something to commute on, a folding electric bike does that job legally.