Don’t Drink and Ride! E-Scooter Booze Warning as Lockdown Ends
As pubs and restaurants swing open their doors, e-scooter riders are being warned: don’t drink and ride. Getting caught on an e-scooter under the influence is treated just like drink driving. That means a possible prison sentence, hefty fines, and a driving ban.
Drink Driving Laws Hit E-Scooter Users Hard
With spring evenings lighter and social outings back on the cards, more people will be zipping around on Neuron Mobility’s 450 electric scooters across the borough. But only those over 18 with a full or provisional driving licence can hire a scooter—and they must stick to the Highway Code.
Thames Valley Police have made it clear: if you blow over the legal limit—35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath or 80mg per 100ml of blood—you’re committing a serious traffic offence.
Neuron Mobility has added a reaction test in their app from 6pm onwards to help riders decide if they’re fit to scoot. Plus, safety ambassadors are patrolling the streets promoting responsible riding and handing out helmet credit incentives for helmet selfies.
Safety First: Helmets, Hygiene and Responsible Riding
- Helmets aren’t legally required but strongly advised, with financial credits on offer for riders who wear one.
- Ambassadors help new users get started and keep scooters and helmets spotless with hospital-grade disinfectants.
- Riders must only use e-scooters on the road—not pavements—and never carry more than one person.
“E-scooters offer a sustainable zero emissions transport option in the borough between places of work and transport hubs,” said Savio DeCruz, the council’s Associate Director for Operations Place. “But riders have to use them responsibly and are subject to the same laws as traditional vehicle drivers.”
Neuron’s George Symes added: “We’re excited for lockdown to end and for more people to reconnect with friends and family safely. Follow the rules and ride responsibly – now’s the time to enjoy your freedom, not risk points on your licence or a trip to A&E.”
How It Works and What to Know
- The year-long e-scooter trial launched last October and expanded to Langley, Britwell, and Wexham in March.
- Unlock a scooter by scanning a QR code; it costs £1 plus 18p per minute.
- Subscription passes are available: three days a week £15, weekly £22, monthly £36.
- Top speed: 15.5mph for experienced riders, 9mph for beginners.
- Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads and paths.
- Report rule breakers to Neuron’s 24/7 customer service at [email protected] or 01753 981188 with details.
- The Neuron app is on the App Store and Google Play. Users must upload driving licence and payment details before riding.
