Laois Offaly Garda seize e-scooter from 'reckless' rider

Laois Offaly Gardaí seized an e-scooter from an under 16 year old. 

Gardaí said the scooter was seized after the rider was stopped for “driving recklessly” in Offaly. 

“This evening, Edenderry Gardai stopped a male driving recklessly on an e-Scooter. Driver was under 16 years of age and vehicle seized,” Gardaí stated. 

They reminded e-scooter users of the law around the use of scooters.

Gardaí said e-scooters should have a maximum of 25 kilograms (including batteries), they must  travel at speeds of 20 km/h or less and have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 400 watts or less. 

Pictured above: An image of the scooter seized by gardaí

The wheels should be at least 200mm diameter and a seat is not permitted. E-scooters must have front and rear lights (switched on during lighting-up hours and darkness), reflectors, front and rear brakes, and a bell. 

They need a manufacturer's plate showing the power output, weight, and design and be in roadworthy condition. 

E-scooter riders need to follow the rules of the road, especially for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and zebra crossings. They have to follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.

Gardai can confiscate e-scooters ridden by people under 16. Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time. E-scooters are not designed for carrying goods or passengers.

Finally riders must not park an e-scooter in no-parking zones like loading bays. accessible parking and charging bays.