The future of driving
New technologies and modes of transport are developing all the time. Here’s how to stay properly insured as these changes happen.
How driving is changing
Driving is evolving with new vehicle types and technologies in constant development. We’re working closely with industry and government partners to help shape what these changes will mean for motor insurance now and in the future.
Our aim is to provide clear, reliable guidance as new rules and regulations emerge, and help to support vehicle owners to understand what’s allowed and when insurance is needed.
Micromobility: what you need to know
Micromobility refers to vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters. These methods of transport can be convenient and efficient, but the rules around them aren't always widely understood.
E-bike laws: when are they road legal?
E-bikes that meet specific requirements are legal to use on UK roads without insurance, registration or a driving licence. These are known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). You must be at least 14 years old to ride an EAPC on the road. To qualify as an EAPC, the bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it. It must have a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts and must not provide motor assistance above 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
Be aware of these requirements when you're buying an e-bike. If the model you buy is more powerful, it's classed as a motor vehicle and may not be legal to use on the road. If it’s not approved for road use, then it can't be insured.
Private e-scooters: what are the rules?
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles. This means you’d need a registered driving licence and insurance to ride one in public. But, this type of e-scooter insurance doesn't exist yet, which means that privately owned e-scooters aren't legal for use on roads, pavements, car parks or cycle lanes in the UK.
The consequences of riding a private e-scooter in public is the same as if you were caught driving a car or motorbike uninsured. Your e-scooter can be seized and crushed, and you can get a fine and points on your licence.
Private e-scooters are available to buy because they can be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission. Retailers should clearly display where their e-scooters can and can’t be legally ridden.
How do e-scooter rental schemes work?
Government-approved e-scooter rental schemes are in place to test how these vehicles could be used more widely in the future. Each scheme is run by the local authority and carries third party e-scooter rental insurance as part of the hire agreement. This means they are legal to use on UK roads.
When using a rental e‑scooter, you must hold a valid driving licence, follow the rules of the road and the Highway Code, and meet the hire company’s minimum age requirement. The included insurance only covers you on a third-party basis.
Rental e-scooters also meet minimum legal safety standards and are regularly checked and maintained by the operator.
Automated vehicles: what’s next?
Connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology is already here, with large-scale rollout of automated cars on UK roads expected as early as 2027. We’re working with government and industry partners to help define how these future vehicles will be regulated and insured, with a clear plan on how to fairly judge and award compensation in the event of an accident or collision. At this stage, there is limited practical guidance for everyday drivers, as frameworks are still being shaped.
Our aim is to act as a source of truth for the rules and responsibilities related to automated driving and to prevent the spread of misinformation by sharing updates as they become available.
Connected vehicles
A connected vehicle can communicate wirelessly with other vehicles, infrastructure, networks, or devices to share information such as location, speed, or traffic conditions. In most connected vehicles currently on the road, the driver has full control over the main systems and physical driving tasks. Connected technologies are available to the driver to improve safety, efficiency and comfort. Examples include built-in GPS, lane assist functions, in-car WiFi, and voice-controlled features.
Automated vehicles
Automated vehicles focus on the vehicle’s ability to perform driving tasks using onboard sensors and software. Depending on the level of automation, the human driver’s tasks are either reduced or replaced altogether. While most automated vehicles are also connected, not all connected vehicles have autonomous features.
Levels of automation
Automated vehicles are described in levels, starting at no automation (Level 0) through to full automation (Level 5).
Frequently asked questions about e-scooters, e-bikes and automated vehicles
Privately owned e-scooters are not legal for use on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes. Only approved rental schemes can be used legally in designated areas.
Private e-scooter insurance for road use does not exist. If you are found using a one you may receive a fine and points on your driving licence, and the scooter may be seized and destroyed by the police.
Various local authorities are currently offering the opportunity to travel by e-scooter as part of a trial to see how these vehicles can be used more widely in the future. The e-scooters are insured as part of the trial, so personal insurance is not needed to ride one.
However, the cover is only for third-party damages. Which means that if you have an accident during your ride, you are covered for the cost of repair or injury to the person or object you have hit. It does not cover your own personal injury or damage to any belongings you are carrying.
There is no additional insurance available, so you must accept the risks when choosing to ride an e-scooter. Stay as safe as you can by following the rules of the road as you would in any other vehicle and consider taking extra precautions such as wearing a helmet or other protective gear.
If your e-bike meets electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) requirements, you do not need insurance. If it falls outside these rules, it may be treated as a motor vehicle and require insurance. You should check the specifications of your specific model.
Autonomous car insurance will be required, but how it works may evolve as the technology develops. Updates will be provided as regulations are confirmed.
We will update our website as new laws and technologies develop. You can also check out the government’s Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles hub that publishes regular news updates.