Police warn e-scooters cannot be used on roads or footpaths in Northern Ireland

Unionist representatives Sam Patton and Councillor Alan Barr raised the ongoing issues of electric scooters following contact from local residents

Police have confirmed privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used on public roads, footpaths, cycle lanes or other public spaces in Northern Ireland, following concerns over their misuse in Kells and Broughshane.

The clarification was issued by Sergeant Stevie Allen, from the Mid and East Antrim Local Policing Team, in response to questions raised by Braid Ulster Unionist representatives Sam Patton and Councillor Alan Barr.

It follows growing concern from residents who fear e-scooters are being ridden dangerously by children and young people in local villages, placing pedestrians, families and vulnerable residents at risk.

Police clarify the law on e-scooters

Sergeant Allen said there is currently “no specific legislation within Northern Ireland” regarding the use of e-scooters, and that it remains unclear if official legislation will be introduced or when that may happen.

However, he confirmed that electric scooters are regarded as motor vehicles and are therefore subject to road traffic laws.

Because they are not EU approved in relation to their construction, and are not specifically defined in legislation, they cannot currently meet the requirements to become road legal.

That means they cannot be used on a road, footpath, cycle lane or other public space.

The PSNI response stated that e-scooters should only be used in private places with the landowner’s consent.

Summer use expected to increase

Sergeant Allen said e-scooters are now a regularly raised issue for police, with their use increasing on a monthly basis.

He warned that with the summer months rapidly approaching, the trend is likely to continue.

That warning will be of particular concern to residents in Kells, Broughshane and the wider Ballymena area, where complaints have focused on scooters being used at speed on footpaths, in residential areas and around busy public spaces.

For pedestrians, especially older people, parents with prams and young children, the issue is not simply about nuisance. It is about whether shared public spaces feel safe.

Warnings, fines and seizure powers

Police said officers can consider issuing a warning to riders where e-scooter use is deemed to be causing alarm, distress or annoyance, and where there is evidence of careless riding or use on land other than a road in breach of Article 48 of the Road Traffic Order 1995.

If a warning already exists, the scooter may be seized by a trained and authorised vehicle seizure officer.

For first-time offenders, police said the preferred approach should be a warning and the opportunity for the rider to walk the device home.

For repeat or aggravated offending by someone over the age of 16, police said a number of enforcement options may apply, including:

• Riding on the footway: Fixed Penalty Notice N018 and £30 fine

• Using a mobile phone: £200 fine and six penalty points

• Riding through red lights: Fixed Penalty Notice, £60 fine and three penalty points

• No insurance: £200 fine and six penalty points

• Drink-driving offences: court-imposed fines, a driving ban and possible imprisonment

How police may deal with young riders

For juvenile offenders, police said officers may consider bringing the young person home and speaking to their parents if they are close to home.

Alternatively, the scooter could be removed and taken back to the station, where parents may attend to reclaim it and receive advice about illegal use on roads.

Police stressed that this must happen on the same day, as stations do not have facilities to store e-scooters overnight because they are considered a fire hazard.

Where a rider has been arrested for a more serious offence, police said it may be appropriate to remove the vehicle into police custody.

Before returning a scooter, officers may consider proof of identity, a receipt of purchase, or a photograph of the person with the vehicle to help prove ownership.

Adults could face seizure and release fees

For adult offenders, police said officers should remember their powers to seize vehicles causing alarm, distress and annoyance, as well as vehicles being used without insurance.

If the grounds for seizure are met, a trained officer may seize the scooter from an adult, issue the appropriate seizure notice, label the device with rider details and deliver it to a Vehicle Recovery Operator’s yard during normal business hours.

The owner may then reclaim the scooter upon payment of a £150 release fee and proof of purchase.

Unclaimed scooters may be scrapped.

Public urged to report incidents through 101 or 999

Members of the public who witness dangerous or illegal e-scooter use should report incidents to police in the same way as any other concern.

Reports can be made by calling 101 in non-emergency situations, or 999 where there is an emergency or immediate risk.

Police said all calls are recorded and categorised in line with PSNI guidelines.

Sergeant Allen said calls for service are assessed according to threat, harm, risk, investigation, vulnerabilities and engagement.

Education before serious injury

Police said retailers selling e-scooters are legally required to provide purchasers with relevant information about the law, including that the devices should only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Neighbourhood officers, working alongside the Youth Diversion Officer, are also regularly attending schools and larger employers in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, where e-scooter use and the law around it are discussed.

The PSNI also indicated a willingness to engage with local representatives and community groups as part of a coordinated approach to enforcement and public education.

Barr welcomes PSNI push and says education must come before tragedy

Councillor Alan Barr said he welcomed the swift response received from the PSNI after concerns were formally raised regarding both the legal status of e-scooters and the need for stronger public education around their use.

Barr said police had confirmed they would continue engaging with schools ahead of the summer holidays in an effort to improve awareness among young people about the dangers and legal implications surrounding e-scooters.

Councillor Alan Barr said:

“After contacting the PSNI regarding both educational programmes and the legal position surrounding e-scooters, Sam and I were encouraged to receive a prompt and constructive response.

“The PSNI has confirmed it will continue engaging with schools ahead of the summer holidays to help raise awareness of the law and the dangers associated with e-scooter misuse. I want to thank officers for taking the issue seriously and for recognising the importance of education and early intervention.

“By improving awareness amongst young people, parents and the wider public — alongside enforcement where necessary — we can help prevent serious injuries and ultimately save lives, both for pedestrians and those using e-scooters.”

He said the focus must remain on prevention before tragedy occurs, particularly as the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow among children and teenagers across the Ballymena area.

Barr added that education, backed by enforcement where required, could help prevent serious injuries involving both riders and pedestrians.

Sergeant Allen said police share the view that it is better to be proactive than reactive before a member of the public or rider is injured as a result of an e-scooter.

For communities in Kells, Broughshane and across Mid and East Antrim, the message is now clearer: privately owned e-scooters are not legal on public roads, footpaths, cycle lanes or public spaces, and police have enforcement options where riders put others at risk.