According to a new report, nearly 800 children have been caught driving or riding without insurance in the past four years, with one in ten of those aged 14 or below.

The number of children receiving uninsured driving endorsements has surged by 2100% since 2021.

This data comes from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by IAM RoadSmart from the DVLA.

Riding their luck

Adding to the concern, electric scooter-related injuries are rising in the UK.

According to recent government data, 1,508 casualties involving e-scooters in 2023 alone, including 12 fatalities, and 500 serious injuries, a 45% rise from 2022.

Most of these incidents involved private e-scooters, highlighting the risks of using these vehicles on public roads without proper regulation or insurance.

While using E-scooters on public roads and pathways is illegal, except in several trial zones set up by the government, they have become commonplace across the country with little law enforcement.

E-scooters are perfectly legal to buy and sell in the UK, but currently, there are no particular regulations over build quality, power, or user age.

 

 

No protections

In 2024, 375 teenagers aged 13 to 16 were issued an IN10 endorsement – the code used for “using a vehicle uninsured against third-party risks.”

This marks a steep rise compared to just 17 endorsements in 2021.

The spike correlates with the growing popularity of e-scooters, which remain illegal for private use on public roads or spaces despite being widely available for purchase.

Since the launch of e-scooter rental trials during the summer of 2020, these trial zone vehicles remain the only legal option for public road use.

Privately owned e-scooters, however, are still limited to private land use with permission, creating a legal gray area for many young riders.

In reality, e-scooter riders either ignore the law or remain ignorant of the legal facts.

These trends also extend to 17–21-year-olds, who can legally hold driving licences.

Uninsured driving increased by 30% for this age group in 2024 compared to 2023 and by 700% compared to 2021.

Despite this, IN10 endorsements for those over 22 have fallen since 2021.

Even a 99-year-old was caught driving without insurance within the past four years.

However, the confusion around e-scooter use and the massive increase in sales have left the problem one that police forces feel under-resourced to cope with, therefore limiting more general police action.

Uninsured dilemna

As well as confusion over the rules, regulations and laws regarding e-scooter, cost pressures are a likely factor in this rise of uninsured riders.

Between 2022 and 2023, car insurance premiums increased by 25%, with high premiums for young drivers remaining a persistent challenge.

A survey conducted by IAM RoadSmart in February 2024 revealed that 69% of members identified insurance costs as the largest hurdle for young drivers.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes emphasised the urgent need for government action: “The number of children caught driving or riding without insurance is shocking and likely due to e-scooter use. With an estimated 750,000 private e-scooters purchased, the government must bring forward legislation for minimum safety standards, speed limiters, and competency requirements.”

He also highlighted cost barriers for young drivers: “Young people pay the highest premiums and rely on vehicles for independence and work. Insurance premium tax breaks and graduated licensing could help address the issue.”

IAM RoadSmart is calling for:

• Insurance premium tax breaks for young drivers who complete approved driving courses.
• Updated road safety strategies focusing on skills development and graduated licensing.
• Private e-scooter legislation to ensure minimum safety standards and rider competency.

Time for regulation

A recent government-commissioned study, conducted by TRL and the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), reviewed e-scooter construction and usage standards.

Key recommendations include fitting e-scooters with speed-limiting systems and creating stability tests similar to Germany’s eKFV approval system.

To ensure rider safety, these tests simulate real-world conditions, such as potholes.

The study also tackled the issue of riding on pavements.

 

 

It concluded that while there may be accessibility benefits for those with mobility impairments, there are significant safety concerns for pedestrians, particularly the visually impaired and elderly.

If e-scooters are allowed on pavements, the report recommends speed limits of 4mph to reduce the risk of collisions.

With uninsured driving among children and young people at a worrying high and casualties linked to e-scooters rising sharply, the need for regulation and safety initiatives is critical.

The government is under increasing pressure to act swiftly to protect e-scooter riders and other road users.