Can a 12-Year-Old Ride an Electric Scooter in the UK? Laws, Safety Tips & Best Alternatives for Kids
Let’s be honest—if your 12-year-old has ever seen someone zooming past on an electric scooter, chances are they’ve already asked, "Mum, Dad… can I get one too?"
Electric scooters are everywhere these days—zipping down city streets, in parks, and even outside your local supermarket. But what’s the actual deal when it comes to kids? Can a 12-year-old ride an electric scooter in the UK?
We break it down for you—laws, safety, and of course, where to find the best scooters built just for kids (yes, we’re plugging our store too—because why not?).
What's the Legal Age to Ride an Electric Scooter in the UK?
Let’s get straight to the point.
According to UK law, riding an electric scooter on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes is currently illegal unless the e-scooter is part of a government-approved rental scheme. And those rental scooters? They’re designed for adults—you need to be 16 or older and have a provisional or full driving licence to use one legally.
So… where does that leave your 12-year-old?
✅ Private Land Only — The golden rule for kids is this: If your child is 12, they can ride an electric scooter only on private property with the landowner’s permission.
❌ Public Roads, Pavements, Parks? — Nope, not legally allowed. Not even for a quick spin around the block.
Should You Still Buy Your 12-Year-Old an Electric Scooter?
Absolutely! But only if it’s designed for kids and you have a safe, private place for them to ride.
Think of it like a trampoline—you wouldn’t set it up in the middle of the high street, right? Same principle here.
Electric scooters designed for kids are lighter, slower, and packed with safety features that make them ideal for supervised fun at home, in large gardens, or on private driveways.
Safety Tips for Kids Riding Electric Scooters
Now, just because your 12-year-old can ride doesn’t mean they should jump on without some ground rules. Safety first, fun second (and fewer trips to A&E, thank you very much).
1. Helmet. Always. No Negotiation.
A proper scooter or bike helmet is non-negotiable. Head injuries aren’t cool.
2. Protective Gear Is a Bonus
Knee pads, elbow pads, and even gloves can save your child from nasty scrapes if they take a tumble.
3. Stick to Private Property
Remember, even the best scooter doesn’t make your driveway a racetrack. Set clear boundaries on where they can ride.
4. Supervise Younger Riders
Electric scooters aren’t toys. Kids need to understand speed, stopping distance, and steering. Keep an eye out—especially in the early days.
5. Teach Scooter Etiquette
No racing toward the family dog, no sharp turns near the flower beds, and definitely no trying to "jump" the garden hose.
What to Look for in a Kids’ Electric Scooter
Alright, so you're convinced. Private property? Check. Safety gear? Check. Now, what makes a good kids' electric scooter?
Here’s your checklist:
✅ Speed Limitation — Stick to scooters with a top speed between 8-15 km/h. Fast enough for fun, slow enough for safety.
✅ Lightweight Frame — Easier for kids to handle, steer, and carry.
✅ Adjustable Handlebar Height — Kids grow fast (sometimes overnight), so adjustable handlebars mean the scooter grows with them.
✅ Reliable Braking System — Foot brakes or handlebar brakes? Either is fine—just make sure it works.
✅ Decent Battery Life — Look for at least 40 minutes of ride time per charge. Nobody likes a scooter that dies after 10 minutes.
✅ Cool Factor — Let’s face it, if it’s not cool, they won’t ride it.
The Best Place to Buy Kids’ Electric Scooters in the UK
Yes, we’re biased—but honestly, why scroll endlessly online when you can go straight to the best?
At Best E Scooters UK, we offer a carefully curated Kids Electric Scooter Collection designed specifically for young riders.
Here’s why parents (and kids) love us:
✅ Scooters with safety features tailored for kids
✅ UK-based—fast shipping, no waiting weeks
✅ Models designed to balance speed and fun
✅ Stylish designs kids actually want to ride
Whether you’re after a starter scooter for your younger child or a slightly more powerful model for your confident 12-year-old, we’ve got you covered.
Best Electric Scooters for 12-Year-Olds (2024 Picks)
Need help choosing? Here are a few of our bestsellers perfect for 12-year-olds:
🛴 RCB-R15
- Top Speed: 20 km/h
- Battery Life: 16KG range
- Lightweight only 7.5KG
- LED lights (because kids LOVE lights)
🛴 EV06C
- Top Speed: 15 km/h
- Adjustable handlebars
- LED, Colourful Lights
Browse the full collection here and grab the perfect model for your kid.
Alternatives to Electric Scooters for 12-Year-Olds
Still on the fence? Maybe you're thinking—should I wait until they're older? Fair enough. Here are some great alternatives to keep your 12-year-old moving (and burning that never-ending energy):
✅ Kick Scooters (Manual) — Classic, safe, and legal pretty much everywhere.
✅ Bikes — A solid choice that also helps build road awareness.
✅ Hoverboards — Fun but require practice and balance. Private land only!
✅ Skateboards — Old school but still super cool. Just watch out for the knees.
✅ Electric Bikes for Kids — Another option for older, more confident riders.
So… Can a 12-Year-Old Ride an Electric Scooter in the UK? The Verdict:
Legally? Only on private land.
Should you buy one? If you’ve got a safe place to ride—YES.
Where from? Obviously, Best E Scooters UK — your go-to spot for high-quality, safe, and kid-approved electric scooters.
At the end of the day, riding an electric scooter is not just about speed or fun—it’s about learning balance, responsibility, and safety. And hey, it keeps them off the PlayStation for a bit, right?
Final Tips for Parents:
- Always check local regulations (rules change!)
- Set riding rules from day one
- Invest in good safety gear—helmet first
- Inspect the scooter regularly
- Encourage safe riding habits early
Let your 12-year-old enjoy the thrill—safely, responsibly, and legally.
Happy scooting! 🚀
👉 Ready to shop? Check out our full Kids Electric Scooter Collection and grab the perfect ride for your little speedster today!