UK law identifies bicycles being ridden as a vehicle. Entry is via the vehicle ramp. Pedestrians are not allowed on the ramp. This law is at least 125 years old.

A bicycle is a vehicle.

Some of the longer crossings, such as those by Brittany ferries allow foot passengers. Portsmouth Caen for instance. Also DFDS Newhaven Dieppe allows foot passengers.

It's funny -- when I took a cargo trip in the Baltic a couple of months ago, obviously the only access on foot was by the vehicle ramp, since it was a RO-RO vessel. Used by me and the other passenger as well as the entire crew.

I geet that old laws can affect how we do things in the weirdest of ways. However, there is nothing stopping the ferry company using a bus to bring foot-passengers onboard, Stena do it all the time. Alternatively, whatever happend to gangways ?

I think the companies have little desire to cater to foot-passengers. That's what's really going on. In fact, the connections between Ireland and Britain are probably only there because of some bizarre law which requires licenced ferry companies to offer service to foot passengers as some sort of public service obligation.

Are you planning to travel as a foot passenger from Dover to Calais? Foot passengers used to board the ferry from Dover Eastern docks passenger terminal, before foot passenger travel was suspended.

Also true on the ferry Ancona/Split.

foot passengers are ok Hull to the Netherlands, it must just be an issue down near London where the money is all about get them off quick

That would seem to be the case. But I don't think it's get them off quick. Foot passengers are generally no slower at aligthing than the family of 5.

I'd imagine it's more a case of charging for lane space. If everyone booked as a foot passenger, there would be a lot of empty lane space.

Does anyone know if a kick scooter is a valid form of vehicle ?

A human powered one isn't a vehicle. An electric powered one is still illegal in the UK, and mustn't go faster than 20Km/h or be ridden on the pavement in France.

For the purposes of travelling on a ferry, in this case, a vehicle is required. And a bicycle according to a previous commenter is a vehicle under UK law.

A bicycle is a vehicle, a kick or electric scooter is not under UK law.
The UK law on electric scooters, which are currently illegal is due to change this year.
Electric scooters are also illegal in the Netherlands.

Scooters like Vespas obviously are vehicles and need insurance and a helmet and are allowed on ferries.

This thread has become fascinating.

lets add to it

a bicycle has two brakes, one for each wheel and pedals
a kick scooter does not
herein lies the magic between vehicles and non vehicles
electric scooters may have brakes but is really a motorbike, but requires MOT, insurance and number plates