e-scooters and the law in Milton Keynes

Zipping through the Grid Roads? Read this first.

If you’ve spent any time in Milton Keynes lately — especially around the city centre, The Hub, or along the Redways — you’ll have seen an e-scooter. They’re everywhere. It got me thinking — where exactly do we stand on e-scooters here in Milton Keynes?

The Law in Milton Keynes

Here’s the awkward bit: while privately owned e-scooters are easy to buy and undeniably convenient, they’re still illegal to ride on public roads, pavements, and Redways in Milton Keynes — or anywhere else in the UK — unless part of a government trial. Legally, the UK classifies them as “powered transporters”, so they’d technically need insurance, tax, and an MOT,  none of which they can currently get.

However, Milton Keynes is one of the official trial areas for rental e-scooters. That means you can legally ride one of the hired scooters dotted around the city, but only if you follow the rules — including age limits, licensing requirements, and sticking to approved areas like roads and Redways.

Real Consequences – Especially for Teens

It’s not just a slap on the wrist anymore. In 2024, over 375 under-16s across the UK received IN10 driving endorsements for riding e-scooters without insurance — a sharp rise from just 37 in 2021. These endorsements stay on your record for four years and could push up future insurance premiums before teens even get behind the wheel of a car.

Milton Keynes Police have also been cracking down, with reports of illegal scooters being seized and even destroyed. And yes, drink-driving laws apply to e-scooters too — so scooting home from the pub after a few drinks could result in a fine or a driving ban.

Be Smart, Be Safe

Let’s face it — e-scooters aren’t going anywhere. They’re a part of Milton Keynes life now, especially with the city’s layout and love of tech. But if you’re going to ride one, whether it’s a rental or your own (on private land), do it responsibly:

• Wear a helmet

• Use lights, especially on the Redways at night

 • Don’t dress like a ninja in all-black gear

 • Be visible, alert, and courteous

In 2023 alone, the UK recorded 1,387 e-scooter-related casualties, including six fatalities — all involving the riders themselves.

Watch Out for Fire Hazards

Buying your own? Be careful. Poor-quality e-scooter batteries and chargers have been linked to house fires, including right here in Bucks. Fire brigades have warned against cheap imports and urge buyers to stick with reputable sellers.

Saving a few pounds now isn’t worth losing your home later.

Milton Keynes E-Scooter Future

Milton Keynes has always been a forward-thinking city, and e-scooters fit right in with its green, connected vibe. But as the laws continue to evolve, riders need to stay informed, ride smart, and respect both pedestrians and the law.

So next time you’re gliding down Midsummer Boulevard or heading to Willen Lake, do it safely.