LATEST NEWS: Bradford's illegal e-scooter criminals forced to pay thousands - here's why

A 21-YEAR-OLD man has been banned from driving for almost two years after using an electric scooter over the limit. 

Jack Armstrong, of York, was three times over the limit when he was stopped in the city centre.

He was spotted riding erractically on Parliament Street, which is near the historic and famous Shambles.

Police officers brought Armstrong to a stop, but he refused to give a roadside breath test. 

The 21-year-old was arrested and taken into custody where a breath test was completed.

He recorded a reading of 106 micrograms (mg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 mg in 100 millilitres of breath.

The case went to York Magistrates' Court and Armstrong pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

He was sentenced on Monday (September 20). 

The 21-year-old was disqualified from driving for 23 months, which also bans him from driving any kind of vehicle, including cars.

He was also ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid community work and pay a total of £180 in costs and surcharges.

After the hearing, Traffic Sergeant Paul Cording said: “E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles by the Road Traffic Act.

“That means you can’t ride one on public roads or footpaths without insurance, a driving licence and you certainly can’t ride one under the influence of drink or drugs.

“As well being illegal, it’s a huge risk to the safety of pedestrians and other road users.”

Official hire schemes, such as the one in York, ensure riders are insured and have the relevant licence so they can ride within the law.

But riders of privately-owned e-scooters are unlikely to be able to get insurance.

Illegally-ridden e-scooters will be seized by police and the riders face legal action.