Riding an e-scooter under the influence can land riders a driving ban

A recent study has found that e-scooters are five times safer for riders than bicycles. However, e-scooter users are being warned not to drink and ride as the weather is getting warmer and nights out last longer.

More people are ditching their cars to travel around cities, opting to navigate a city on an e-bike or e-scooter. There’s no added stress on where to park, they cost less in comparison to booking a taxi, and can ride through clean air zones. However, riders need to be up to date on the laws and regulations to avoid penalty points or even driving bans. GoodByeCar reveals the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters.

What are the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters?
E-scooters and e-bikes don’t have separate regulations covering them, so they fall under the same laws as motor vehicles. That means drivers can face:

● 2 years’ imprisonment, 3-11 penalty points, and an unlimited fine for dangerous driving

● Driving disqualification, 3-9 penalty points, and an unlimited fine for careless and inconsiderate driving

● Driving disqualification, 3-11 penalty points, an unlimited fine, and 6 months imprisonment for driving under the influence of drink or drugs

● Unlimited fine and 6 months imprisonment for driving while disqualified

● £1,000 fine and driving disqualification for using a hand-held mobile phone when driving

● £500 fine for cycling or riding on pavement

Don’t ride under the influence
Riding an e-scooter or e-bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol will receive the same punishment as those driving a car under the influence. This could land riders a prison sentence, a driving ban and a hefty fine.

If you’re coming back from the pub after having a drink or two, get a lift, taxi, or even walk, rather than hiring and riding an e-scooter.

Don’t ride carelessly and without consideration for others on the road
Driving carelessly can seem rather ambiguous and difficult to understand, but in simple terms, it means driving in a way without reasonable consideration for others who may be inconvenienced by you.

While riding an e-scooter, these behaviours could be considered an offence by The Highway Code:

● Tailgating

● Dangerously overtaking and merging

● Using the wrong lane at a roundabout

● Overtaking on the left side of the lane

● Eating or drinking while riding

● Weaving through traffic

● Smoking

Doing any of the above could result in up to 9 penalty points, a substantial fine, and a driving ban.

Don’t ride while disqualified from driving
To be eligible to ride an e-scooter, you must either have the category Q, AM, A, or B entitlement on your full or provisional license.

If you’re banned from driving, then you’re ineligible to ride an e-scooter and can face prison time and a large fine.

Don’t use your phone while riding
Just like driving a car, riders are forbidden from using their phones. This is even if you’re at a red light or in standstill traffic. If you need to use your phone, pull over where it is safe, and get off the bike or scooter.

If you’re caught using your phone while riding, you can face a £1,000 fine and a driving ban.

Don’t ride on the pavement
Riding e-scooters and e-bikes on pavements is an offence (this applies to all powered transporters). While riding, make sure you’re on the road and abide by rules you would if you were driving a car, for example, stopping at a red light and positioning yourself in the correct lane when approaching a roundabout.