A 13-year-old has been cautioned by police for driving without a licence and having no insurance while riding an e-scooter in a residential area of Ballymena.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, June 4, when officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team saw a group of young people riding e-scooters in the Dunvale area. One teenager was stopped and the e-scooter was seized at the scene.

Under current legislation in Northern Ireland, e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles. They cannot legally be used on public roads, pavements, or any other public spaces. Riders must hold a valid driving licence and insurance, and the devices are only permitted on private land.

Sergeant Allen of the PSNI said that many people remain unaware of the restrictions. He stated that e-scooters are not toys and their use in public poses a safety risk to both riders and members of the public. He urged residents to consider where they use e-scooters and the potential dangers they may bring to their community.

The seizure formed part of ongoing neighbourhood policing efforts to improve safety and reduce risks on local roads and pavements. Police have repeatedly reminded the public that illegal e-scooter use can result in offences such as driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Residents have previously raised concerns about e-scooters being ridden on footpaths, through housing estates, and in busy pedestrian areas across the town.