A MAN has received a 17-month disqualification after being caught drink driving on an e-scooter.

Iuri Bejereanu, 32 and of Castle Street, Poole, admitted committing the motoring offence on a Dualtron Thunder e-scooter in High Street, Poole, on August 4. He also pleaded guilty to using the vehicle without insurance.

A hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on August 20 heard that Bejereanu provided a sample of breath which contained 71 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Magistrates fined the defendant £168 and ordered him to pay a £34 surcharge and £85 costs alongside the driving ban for the drink driving offence.

Bejereanu received no separate penalty and had his driving record endorsed for the insurance matter.

Private e-scooters are currently illegal on public roads and spaces. Only the Beryl e-scooter trial vehicles are permitted in Bournemouth and Poole.

E-scooters are classed as powered transporters, which mean they are subject to the same rules as motor vehicles, such as having a driving licence.