Over the last few months, orange scooters have appeared in city centres across the country. These e-scooters, available for use to anyone with a smartphone, are part of a trend of eco-friendly transportation and offer a convenient and flexible option for people who don’t want the expense of a car. It doesn’t hurt either that they are good fun. Unsurprisingly, they are popular with students and young professionals.
However, despite looking like the scooters familiar from the childhoods of many, they are a very different prospect in law. The law surrounding e-scooters is still developing and in some areas is complex and uncertain. One thing is clear though – despite being an alternative to a car in many aspects, it is clear the law applies similarly in one crucial way.
The prohibition on drink driving applies broadly and because e-scooters are powered by a motor, and not the physical power of the rider, riding one after having a drink could amount to an offence.
The benefits of an e-scooter can therefore become the danger. Someone might be in town, having had a drink and spot a bank of them. They may think a scooter ride will be a laugh or a convenient way to get home. They may even think they are being responsible or that no one will notice if it is only a short ride. Unfortunately, people who would never think to drink and drive have been caught out for these reasons.
If you are found guilty of drink driving, the consequences can be severe. In the short term, you face a ban and the expense of fines and court costs. You could even face a prison sentence. Going forwards, a drink driving conviction will need to be disclosed to your insurer, leading to higher premiums, and the conviction will appear on criminal record checks, which could hamper your employment prospects.
If you or anyone you know faces prosecution for a drug driving or drink driving offence, getting the right representation is crucial. Our specialist motoring team are experienced in these kinds of offences and will be able to advise you on the best course of action. You can get in touch by calling 0191 232 9547.
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