A 13 year old boy was stopped by Gardaí after being seen driving an e scooter along the main street in Duleek, Co Meath last week.
Officers reported that the scooter was being driven in a dangerous manner and that the behaviour posed a risk to members of the public. The vehicle was subsequently seized by the Gardaí Meath South Community Engagement Unit and the young person was spoken to.
Gardaí have said there is no tolerance for this type of behaviour and used the incident to remind parents and guardians of the rules around e scooter use.
In a message to parents they warned: “There are very specific laws in place regarding the use of electric scooters and E-bikes. E scooter users must be 16 years or older, obey a speed limit of 20km/h, driver on the left and are allowed in cycle lanes or bus lanes and on regional or national roads.
- They must have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors, brakes, and it must be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times.
- They must also follow the same rules of the road that apply to cyclists including traffic lights, road signs and all types of pedestrian crossings.
Gardaí also reminded the public that e scooters cannot be used on footpaths, pedestrian areas or motorways, and that users must not hold or use a mobile phone, have a seat fitted to the scooter, or carry passengers or goods.
It is also an offence to use an e scooter while under the influence of drink or drugs.
