E-scooter rider arrested nine times over limit in Mayo

A rider caught on an illegal e-scooter travelling at 36km/h in the middle of the road has been arrested after breath tests showed he was almost nine times over the legal alcohol limit.

Mayo Roads Policing Unit detected and stopped the scooter after it was observed being driven erratically.

The rider was found to be intoxicated and was arrested and taken to a Garda station, where an evidential breath test confirmed the alcohol reading.

The e-scooter was seized. It was found to be fitted with a 52V 18Ah battery, a 1,200W motor and a top speed of 50km/h — exceeding legal limits for speed, power and weight.

Under Irish law, e-scooters must not exceed 20km/h and riders are prohibited from operating them under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Gardaí warned that a crash at such speeds can be fatal. The rider will be prosecuted before the courts.