Teenager cautioned and e-scooter seized by police in Ballymena crackdown

A 13-year-old has been cautioned by police after officers seized an e-scooter in Ballymena amid ongoing concerns over the illegal use of the devices in public spaces.

Neighbourhood Policing Team officers were conducting enquiries in the Dunvale area of the town on Thursday afternoon, June 4, when they observed a number of young people riding e-scooters.

Police confirmed one teenager was cautioned for driving offences including having no licence and no insurance before the e-scooter was seized at the scene.

The incident comes as police continue to warn that e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under current legislation and cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements or other public areas.

Police warn e-scooters are ‘not toys’

Sergeant Allen said officers remain concerned about the growing use of e-scooters by young people in built-up residential areas, warning that the devices pose risks both to riders and the wider public.

He said:

“Officers, whilst out conducting enquiries in the Dunvale area of the town yesterday afternoon, Thursday 4th June, observed a number of young people riding e-scooters.

“One of the individuals, aged 13, was cautioned for driving with no licence, and having no insurance.

“The e-scooter was seized by officers.”

The officer stressed that many people remain unaware that privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be used in public places across Northern Ireland.

Public use of e-scooters remains illegal in Northern Ireland

Sergeant Allen continued:

“E-scooters are not toys and they can only be ridden on private land, not public roads or pavements. Their use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both riders and the public.

“To be clear, under current legislation e-scooters are deemed to be a motor vehicle. They are not approved for on-road use or in another public space.

“Please help to keep our roads and communities safe spaces for all by thinking carefully about where you use your e-scooter, and the potential safety issues you could be causing within your own community.”

The warning is likely to resonate with many local residents who have raised concerns in recent months about e-scooters being ridden on footpaths, through housing estates and in busy pedestrian areas across Ballymena and beyond.

Police have repeatedly reminded the public that riders can face offences including driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence if e-scooters are used illegally in public spaces.

The seizure in Dunvale forms part of ongoing neighbourhood policing activity aimed at improving safety within local communities and reducing risks on roads and pavements used daily by families, children and elderly residents.