Drunk e-scooter rider loses his licence after being three times over the limit in York

A York man has been banned from driving for almost two years for drink driving on an electric scooter.

Jack Armstrong, of York, was three times over the limit when he was stopped in the city centre.

Armstrong was stopped after officers saw him riding erratically on Parliament Street. But he refused to give a roadside breath test.

The 21-year-old was arrested and taken into custody where he did complete a breath test. He recorded an alcohol reading of 106. The legal limit is 35.

When the case reached York Magistrates’ Court, Armstrong pleaded guilty to drink driving and was sentenced on Monday (20 September).

He was disqualified from driving for 23 months, which also bans him from driving any kind of vehicle including cars.

He was also ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid community work and pay a total of £180 in costs and surcharges.

‘Huge safety risk’

After the hearing, Traffic Sergeant Paul Cording said: “E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles by the Road Traffic Act.

“That means you can’t ride one on public roads or footpaths without insurance, a driving licence and you certainly can’t ride one under the influence of drink or drugs.

“As well being illegal, it’s a huge risk to the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”

Official hire schemes, such as the one in York, ensure riders are insured and have the relevant licence so they can ride within the law.

However, riders of privately-owned e-scooters are unlikely to be able to get insurance.

Illegally-ridden e-scooters will be seized by police and the riders face legal action.

Find out more about using e-scooters legally and safely on the North Yorkshire Police website.