How often do you see an e-scooter on pavements, roads or in cycle lanes? Did you know that this is actually illegal?
E-scooters are more popular than ever, but the only place they are allowed to be used is on private land.
Along with the Police, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership are raising awareness about the law regarding e-scooters to protect you and the public.
E-scooters are treated as ‘motor vehicles’ by the Department of Infrastructure and are therefore subject to the same legal requirement as other vehicles – including MOT, licencing, tax and insurance.
They also don’t have number plates, signalling ability of visible rear lights meaning they cannot be legally used on the roads.
“We are seeing e-scooters more and more every week across our borough and the speeds they can get up to while driving on paths and roads that they shouldn’t be on is frightening,” commented Alderman Mark Baxter, Chair of the PCSP.
“Those using e-scooters need to be aware of the law and where these vehicles can be used or they will have to face the consequences”
If you are stopped on an e-scooter by the police, they will explain the law to you, may ask you to take your e-scooter home and can also penalise you depending on the seriousness of the offence.
This can include fines of up to £1000 and penalty points.
To find out more, visit www.psni.police.uk/escooters
