What is the Legislation on Ride On Electric Cars in the UK?

Are you considering buying your tot or teen an electric ride on car for their birthday? You might be wondering whether these cars are actually legal in the UK, and which laws regulate them.

When it comes to children’s ride on electric cars, UK legislation considers these either toys, regulated by the Toy Safety Regulations, or powered vehicles, regulated by the Road Traffic Act. The distinction comes down to the size and speed of the electric ride on car.

This article will cover all the legislation surrounding these toy vehicles, including where your child can drive them so that you can purchase their next birthday present with peace of mind.

Regulations for children’s electric ride on cars designed for kids under 14 years old

The Toy (Safety) Regulations of 2011 regulates the use of electric cars for children aged younger than 14.

These regulations are aimed at businesses that are placing toys on the market in Great Britain for kids under the age of 14. There are separate guidelines for Northern Ireland.

According to these regulations, electric ride on cars for toddlers and younger kids need to meet certain safety standards:

Electric safety: The electric car (as well as electric scooters for kids younger than 14) needs to meet the electrical safety requirements set out in the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s BS EN 62115 – Electric Toys Standards.
Mechanical safety: The electric kid’s car must be constructed so that it is safe to use, stable, with efficient brakes, and unlikely to tip over. Mechanical properties must meet the standards set out in BS EN 71-1+A1.
Chemical safety: The cars must not contain any harmful or toxic chemicals or substances.
Labelling: The toy car must be adequately labelled. Labels should include safety instructions, age restrictions and appropriate warnings.

Other regulations that apply to these electric toys (both electric scooters and cars for children under 14) include:

It certainly is a lot to wrap your head around. The reason for all these regulations is to ensure that your young child can enjoy their new electric car without any concerns for their safety!

These laws only regulate the design and manufacturing of electric kids’ cars; we will look at where these cars can be driven in more detail later.

Regulations for children’s electric ride on cars designed for kids over 14 years old

Toys for kids over the age of 14 are not regulated by the Toys (Safety) Regulations. As such, electric cars for older kids are considered “powered transporters” by the UK Government, as opposed to toys.

Powered transporters (PTs) are novel personal transport devices that use a motor to propel the vehicle forward. This could be an electric scooter, hoverboard, electric ride on car, or an electric kid’s buggy or UTV.

PTs are regulated by the Road Traffic Act, simply because there is no special legal regime that applies to these electronically powered vehicles. For this reason, PTs are considered motor vehicles (“any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads”) and are subject to the same restrictions as regular cars, with one caveat: powered transporters may not be used on public roads.

Public roads and pavements restrictions

Now that you know which legislation regulates electric scooters, ride on cars and electric kids’ quad bikes, you probably wonder “but where can my little one ride their new toy car?“

Here is a brief breakdown of where PTs may not be driven (more detail is provided below):

On public roads, unless it meets the legal requirements of a motor vehicle (which is near impossible for these toy cars).
In areas designated for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. This includes designated lanes and public pavements.

Using electric children’s cars in these prohibited spaces is committing a criminal offence and you may be prosecuted.

The only place it is legal to drive a powered transporter in the UK is on private land. If it is not your private property, you need permission from the landowner.

Let’s take a look at where your kid can and cannot drive their electric ride on car in more detail:

The pavement and pedestrian areas

It is illegal for your child to drive their electric car (or electric scooter) on the pavement. PTs may not be driven on any kind of footpath, according to section 34 of the Road Traffic Act, as these areas are designated for pedestrians only.

Cycle lanes and bridleways

Electric ride on cars may also not be driven on any type of road designed for two wheels, including cycle paths. Bridleways are another example of an area where these vehicles are not permitted, as these paths are designated for walkers, runners and as the name suggests – horse riders.

Public roads

You probably wouldn’t want your kids out on the public roads until they are old enough to get a driving licence anyway. The good news is you can also tell them that the law won’t allow it if they try to push your boundaries – electric ride on cars for children are illegal to use on public roads.

Why are children’s electric ride on cars illegal on UK public roads and pavements?

As we mentioned above, kids’ electric cars can’t legally be used on public roads and pavements.

First and foremost, this is because these toy cars can’t be insured, your kids can’t get a driving licence, you don’t pay vehicle tax on them, and they don’t meet the safety standards required of a road-faring vehicle.

Apart from that, many young children simply do not understand road rules. Any vehicle on the road must abide by The Highway Code. Since many of these electric cars are designed for kids under 14, they are unlikely to have the skills to operate a vehicle in public – even if it is just an electric one going at 5 km/h!

And finally – but most importantly – it simply isn’t safe. The roads are home to a number of hazards that children shouldn’t be encountering. Making kids electric ride on cars illegal on public roads is a simple way to keep children as safe as possible while using these toys.

Can you drive a kids electric ride on car on private property?

Fortunately, the ride on car will not just be a white elephant – your children are allowed to drive on private land, as long as you have permission from the landowner.

As long as the private land is not accessible to the public (so this excludes university campuses or privately-owned roads that can be used by the public), your little one can drive around to their heart’s content. Just make sure you keep an eye on them!

Here are some private areas where your kid can legally drive their electric car:

Private driveways
Private parking lots: these should not have public access and consent must be received from the owner of the lot.
Private parks: certain private parks may allow kids to drive their ride on cars in designated areas.
Private roads: roads in a gated community may allow kids’ electric cars, but always check with the property owner first.

Top tips for safely driving electric ride on cars

Looking for a summary of the rules and regulations surrounding electric ride on cars for kids?

We’ve got you covered:

Electric cars for kids under the age of 14 are regulated by the Toy (Safety) Regulations.
Electric cars for kids over the age of 14 are regulated by the Road Traffic Act.
Children’s electric cars may not be used on public roads or pedestrian areas.
These toys may be driven in private areas, with the consent of the landowner.
Adults should keep an eye on their kids at all times.
Although not a legal requirement, kids should wear protective gear for their own safety.

FAQs

Are electric scooters legal on UK roads?

There is strict legislation surrounding electric scooters in the UK. Electric scooters are currently considered powered transporters, and as such, they are subject to the Road Traffic Act and may not be driven on public roads. That said, electric scooters may be permitted on public roads and cycle lanes in the near future – however they will not be allowed on motorways.

Are there any specific safety guidelines that I should follow when my child is using their electric ride on car?

It is important that you follow safety guidelines. We recommend your kid wears closed-toe shoes and safety gear, and sticks to safe areas when driving their new car. And parents, always keep an eye on your child when they’re out and about in their ride on car!

Conclusion

So there you have it! We have provided you with all the ins and outs of laws and regulations that apply to kids ride on cars in the UK. Now that you know everything there is to know about where to drive, check out our amazing range of ride on cars for kids of all ages and treat your little one to something special. These make the perfect gift!