Drink Driving on an E Scooter

Question

Is an e-scooter a vehicle and can I be convicted of drink driving on one?

Dominic Says:

There are 2 basic rules to remember.

An e-scooter is a motor vehicle. So is a Segway. They are subject to the Road Traffic Act and offences can be committed on them such as speeding, drink driving or using a mobile phone. Basically, they are treated the same as cars/motorbikes. So if you’re riding one on the pavement, you get the same punishment as driving a car on the pavement.

There are 2 exceptions.

EPACs (electrically pedal assisted bicycle). If it has pedals AND an electric motor it will either be classed as an electric bicycle (EPAC) or a motor vehicle. If it goes faster than 15mph, has a power output greater than 250W or weighs more than 40kg, it will be a motor vehicle. If not, it will be an EPAC and classed as a bicycle.

Mobility scooters. Mobility scooters are not motor vehicles and are governed by their own specific complicated legislation which I am not going to get into here. But if it’s a mobility scooter, it’s not a motor vehicle.

So yes, you can be convicted of drink driving on an e scooter whilst drunk.