PSNI: More than 60-ebikes and e-scooters seized in three days

An e-scooter is an electrically-powered vehicle consisting of a narrow foot platform mounted on wheels, attached to a long, narrow steering column with handlebars.

Users travel by standing on the platform, known as a deck, and are propelled forward by an electric motor which is powered by a rechargeable battery.

As such, they differ from other seated lightweight vehicles such as scrambler bikes, mini motos or quads – but for all of them, the same off-road restrictions apply.

Owning, buying or selling an e-scooter is not illegal in Northern Ireland but they can only be used on private land and only if the landowner gives their permission.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland stated last year,, external that “there is no specific offence” for using an e-scooter on public roads in Northern Ireland.

However, officers can enforce other rules in relation to e-scooters, such as having no vehicle excise duty (usually referred to as car tax or road tax) or insurance, which the user is unlikely to have for an off-road vehicle.

In relation to e-bikes- the rules of the road are different for certain types of e-bikes which are classed as “electrically assisted pedal cycles” (EPACs)., external