In 2025, electric scooter rental services have become an essential part of the UK’s smart mobility ecosystem. With rising traffic congestion, high fuel costs, and sustainability goals, shared e-scooter services offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or Bristol, finding the best electric scooter rental UK 2025 option can save time and money while reducing your carbon footprint.
This guide compares the top e-scooter rental providers, their pricing structures, supported cities, and features.
Top Electric Scooter Rental Companies in the UK (2025)
1. Lime
Lime continues to dominate the UK’s shared mobility space with a wide presence and consistent upgrades to safety and battery life.
-
Cities Covered: London, Milton Keynes, Salford, and more
-
Unlock Fee: £1
-
Per-Minute Rate: £0.17–£0.25
-
Features: GPS tracking, in-app tutorials, parking zones
-
App: Lime (iOS/Android)
Lime scooters are known for their smooth ride, durability, and low-carbon initiatives.
2. Dott
Known for their sustainable approach and robust maintenance system, Dott offers reliable service in major UK hubs.
-
Cities Covered: London, Liverpool, Bristol
-
Unlock Fee: £1
-
Per-Minute Rate: £0.15–£0.19
-
Features: In-app safety quiz, helmets, eco-friendly charging
-
App: Dott
Dott also integrates with public transport apps for multi-modal journey planning.
3. Tier
Tier has earned popularity for its safety-focused design and rider-friendly policies.
-
Cities Covered: York, London, Essex, and selected university towns
-
Unlock Fee: £1
-
Per-Minute Rate: £0.16–£0.20
-
Features: Swappable batteries, parking incentives, beginner mode
-
App: Tier Mobility
Students and new riders especially love Tier for its balance of performance and safety.
4. Voi
Voi is widely regarded for promoting responsible riding through education programs and in-app learning.
-
Cities Covered: Bristol, Oxford, Northampton, Cambridge
-
Unlock Fee: £1
-
Per-Minute Rate: £0.18–£0.22
-
Features: Helmet selfie discounts, ride pass options, GPS control
-
App: Voi Scooters
Voi also offers monthly subscriptions for frequent users.
5. Spin (by Ford)
Spin’s electric scooters are part of smart transport trials across many mid-sized UK cities.
-
Cities Covered: Essex, Basildon, Braintree, Colchester
-
Unlock Fee: £0.99
-
Per-Minute Rate: £0.18–£0.25
-
Features: Voice alerts, integrated display, low-step models
-
App: Spin
Spin scooters are ideal for suburban environments and small towns.
Price Comparison – Electric Scooter Rentals in UK (2025)
| Company | Unlock Fee | Per-Minute Cost | Cities | App Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lime | £1 | £0.17–£0.25 | 10+ | Lime |
| Dott | £1 | £0.15–£0.19 | 5+ | Dott |
| Tier | £1 | £0.16–£0.20 | 8+ | Tier |
| Voi | £1 | £0.18–£0.22 | 10+ | Voi |
| Spin | £0.99 | £0.18–£0.25 | 4+ | Spin |
Best Cities for EK Rentals in the UK
-
London: Offers nearly all major services like Lime, Tier, and Dott.
-
Bristol: Home to Voi and Dott fleets with integrated city transport.
-
Manchester: Expanding pilot zones with promising infrastructure.
-
Oxford & Cambridge: Voi leads with high compliance and educated rider base.
-
Milton Keynes & York: Smart city hubs with tech-friendly rider programs.
Before riding, always check ride zones, no-parking areas, and helmet guidelines via the app.
Features to Look for in a Rental App
-
Real-time GPS tracking of nearby scooters
-
Zone alerts for slow speed or no-parking areas
-
Rider insurance and in-app emergency contacts
-
Beginner safety tutorials
-
Ride passes or subscription models for regular use
-
Battery level indicators to avoid mid-ride dropouts
The best electric scooter rental UK 2025 services combine affordability, safety, and accessibility.
Are These Scooters Safe and Legal?
Yes, rental scooters are fully legal under the UK Government’s e-scooter trial program. Riders must:
-
Be 18 years or older
-
Hold at least a provisional driving licence
-
Wear a helmet (recommended but not mandatory)
-
Follow designated riding zones within each city
All top providers use geo-fencing to ensure scooters operate only within approved zones.
FAQs
Do I need a license to use electric scooter rentals in the UK?
Yes, you need at least a provisional driving licence to ride rented e-scooters legally in the UK.
What’s the cheapest rental service in the UK?
Dott often provides the most affordable per-minute rates, especially for students.
Can I ride rented scooters on sidewalks?
No. UK rules prohibit riding on pavements. Riders must use designated roads and cycling lanes.
Are helmets mandatory for rental e-scooters?
Helmets are strongly recommended but not legally required. Some apps offer discounts for helmet selfies.
Can tourists use electric scooter rentals?
Yes, international tourists can ride with their native or international driving permits, depending on the city’s rules.
Click here to know more.