It is still illegal to use electric scooters on public roads and in all public spaces across Northern Ireland.
A change unveiled in the Queen's speech allowing people with their own electric scooters to ride them legally on public roads as part of a new Westminster Transport Bill does not include Northern Ireland.
The Department for Infrastructure, which oversees regulation around e-scooters in NI, says it falls to the PSNI to enforce the rules.
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As a result police have powers to issue warnings, fines, confiscate your e-scooter and report offenders to the Public Prosecution Service.
And it's understood they plan to 'increase their response' to illegal scooter usage here.
A DfI spokesperson said: "Enforcement is the responsibility of the PSNI, who have advised that they are taking steps to increase their response given the current increase in the illegal usage of e-scooters.
"We asked the police how many fines they have so far issued in relation to e-scooter use in NI. They told us that since they are regarded as a motor vehicle on police systems they "do not have easily extracted enforcement figures.
"We are exploring how we might more easily identify notices issued to e-scooters in the future," they added.
In relation to -scooters specifically, they said they are "not defined within law nor are they approved for on-road use; consequently they are regarded as a motor vehicle if found to be driven on a road or in another public space".
"This means the driver requires a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
"As the vast majority of e-scooters and riders will not be able to comply with these legal requirements, they are therefore restricted to ‘off-road’ use only. They should only be used on private property with the permission of the landowner and should not be used on pavements, roads or public spaces.
"There is no age limit prescribed in law regarding purchase of one of these vehicles."
Users face warnings, fines, seizure and a possible conviction
“Anyone found using an electric scooter anywhere other than on private property with the permission of the landowner should expect to receive a formal warning as a minimum course of action and given the opportunity to walk their scooter home with advice to its further use,” a police spokesperson added.
“Repeat offenders may have their e-scooter seized as an uninsured vehicle and may be issued with fixed penalty notices or reported to the Public Prosecution Service.”
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