PART 1The Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020

Amendment of the Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 19983

1

The Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 199812 are amended as follows.

2

In regulation 4 (protective headgear)—

a

in paragraph (1) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2) and (2A)”;

b

after paragraph (2) insert—

2A

Nothing in paragraph (1) shall apply to any person driving an electric scooter being used in a trial.

c

in paragraph (3)—

i

before the definition of “motor bicycle”, insert—

  • “electric scooter” means a motor bicycle which—

    1. a

      is fitted with an electric motor with a maximum continuous power rating not exceeding 500 watts;

    2. b

      is not fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling the vehicle;

    3. c

      has two wheels, one front and one rear, aligned along the direction of travel;

    4. d

      is designed to carry no more than one person;

    5. e

      has a maximum weight, excluding the driver, not exceeding 55 kilograms;

    6. f

      has a maximum design speed not exceeding 15.5 miles per hour;

    7. g

      has a means of directional control through the use of handlebars which are mechanically linked to the steered wheel;

    8. h

      has a means of controlling the speed through hand controls; and

    9. i

      has a power control that defaults to the ‘off’ position;

  • “local public authority” means—

    1. a

      in England and Wales, any body, other person or holder of any office listed in Part 2 (local government) of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and

    2. b

      in Scotland, any body, other person or holder of any office listed in Part 3 (local government) of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002;

ii

after the definition of “protective headgear”, omit “and”; and

iii

at the end of the definition of “strap”, insert—

  • ; and

  • “trial” means an assessment as to the suitability of electric scooters for use on roads conducted by virtue of—

    1. a

      an order made under sections 44 and 63(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1988; or

    2. b

      an arrangement made between one or more local public authorities and a person who hires out electric scooters