Motorway-bound E-scooter users under the influence arrested: Men en route to the police station found guilty of inebriation - Intoxicated e-scooter rider apprehended on the highway: suspects aiming for police station
In Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, a 23-year-old driver of an e-scooter was taken into investigations after a Sunday evening incident where a car driver noticed the e-scooter on the shoulder of the A40 highway. The car, with three occupants, was traveling towards Bochum when they made the discovery.
Upon arrival at the Bochum police station, both the e-scooter rider and the driver of the car were subjected to tests. The results were concerning: a breath alcohol test was positive for the e-scooter driver, and a drug test for cocaine also returned a positive result. It is worth noting that the e-scooter rider was not a police officer or affiliated with the police.
The two friends of the e-scooter rider were also using the e-scooter, but their whereabouts are currently unknown. The location of the car driver is also not specified.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict laws governing e-scooter usage under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Germany, including North Rhine-Westphalia. Riding an e-scooter while intoxicated can lead to fines, license points, and even a driving ban or criminal charges, depending on the level of impairment and the presence of any accidents or injuries.
In Germany, e-scooter riders face the same legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits as car drivers. For novice drivers (less than 2 years or under 21 years old), the limit is 0.0‰ BAC. For all other riders, exceeding 0.5‰ BAC can result in fines ranging from €500 and upwards, points in the driving license register, and possibly a driving ban for motor vehicles. If the BAC is 1.1‰ or higher or impairment is severe, it is considered a criminal offense, which can lead to higher fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.
It is important to note that even though e-scooters do not require a driving license, alcohol-related offenses on e-scooters can affect car driving privileges, including possible license suspension. In case of injury or accidents while intoxicated, penalties intensify, and criminal charges are likely.
Police in North Rhine-Westphalia and across Germany actively enforce these laws, including roadside sobriety tests on e-scooter riders seen riding erratically or suspected of intoxication. Studies and reports confirm that alcohol use is a significant risk factor for e-scooter accidents and injuries, with a high proportion of intoxicated riders suffering head trauma. European authorities, including German police, participate in safety operations targeting two-wheelers, including e-scooters, to improve compliance.
In light of this incident, it is strongly advised to avoid operating e-scooters under the influence to ensure safety and legal compliance. The use of a fake driver's license only compounded the severity of the situation, and both individuals now face investigations.
