A nine-year-old boy from Ballymena required emergency surgery after being struck by an e-scooter in Cullybackey.

Joshua Mairs was walking near Kilmakevit Crescent on 25 May when the collision occurred around 5pm. He was first treated at Antrim Area Hospital before transfer to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where surgery addressed a shattered elbow.

His mother, Ruth Mairs, stated the family cancelled a planned holiday to Corfu due to the injury. Joshua is recovering at home with pain relief.

Police confirmed receipt of a report concerning a pedestrian and e-scooter collision in the area. Officers requested witnesses or footage and provided reference number 333 25/05/26.

Braid UUP Councillor Alan Barr had previously raised concerns with police about e-scooter misuse in the Ballymena area. He noted plans for school engagement before the summer holidays.

Under Northern Ireland law, privately owned e-scooters are generally prohibited on roads and pavements. Riders require a driving licence, tax, insurance and number plates.

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew and SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone have proposed an amendment to the Justice Bill to allow faster seizure of vehicles causing alarm or distress. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has stated e-scooters are not toys.