Police warning as they arrest e-scooter rider in Nottingham on suspicion of drink-driving
It follows a collision with a taxi in Lenton
Police have issued a warning after the rider of an electric scooter was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
The 19-year-old was detained in Derby Road, Lenton, at around 3am on Tuesday (24 March) following a collision involving a taxi.
The scooter was rented from a council transport scheme, and it was therefore permitted to be on the road.
However, rental e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles, and this means the same rules that apply to any other driver on the road must also be followed by scooter riders.
Chief Inspector Anwaar Ahmed, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"If you are caught drinking and driving whilst riding a rented e-scooter, you will face the same consequences as any other road users – with all the legal, personal, and professional ramifications that go along with that.
“So, I encourage riders to think in the same way they would when using a car or a motorcycle to not only keep themselves safe, but also other road users and pedestrians.
“Luckily no one was injured as a result of this incident, and I hope it will serve as a warning to others.”
It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it is illegal for them to be used on the road or in public places.
They can be driven on private land if the rider has permission to do so.