Riding an e-scooter whilst under the influence of alcohol is every bit as serious as drinking and driving in a car, say police.
Nottinghamshire Police pulled over a young man and breathalysed him after he was spotted swerving from side to side on the road.
He was spotted on the e-scooter in Southchurch Drive, Clifton, and also had two traffic cones placed on the rental vehicle when he was pulled over shortly after 4.45am on Sunday 21 June.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink.
Detective Inspector Jamie Moore, head of roads policing at Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Rental e-scooters are classed as powered transporters by law, which means that riders have to follow the rules of the road.
“As this young man has just found out to his cost, the consequences for drink-driving on an e-scooter are exactly the same as they are when driving a car or riding a motorcycle.
“That means a day in court, a fine and a driving ban.
“We know that these devices are often used by people returning home from a night out, so it is important they are aware of the potential consequences if they are found to be over the limit.”
Nottinghamshire Police is currently carrying out heightened drink-drive activity as part of a summer campaign to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
Police advise on Rental e-scooters
You can rent e-scooters in some parts of the UK through e-scooter rental trials.
Where a rental trial scheme is running, rental e-scooters can be used on public roads, some cycle lanes, and other public spaces. But you must follow the relevant road traffic laws. If you don’t, you could face prosecution.
To use a rental e-scooter in an approved area you must:
- hold the correct driving licence (find out about driving licence categories)
- have insurance (the rental companies provide this when you hire from them)
- meet the minimum age limit (this can vary depending on the rental company, so please check with them)
When riding an e-scooter, you should always keep to the speed limit. We also always recommend wearing safety protection such as a helmet.
