AN ANDOVER man has been banned from holding a drivers licence after he was caught using an e-scooter in the town.

Ryan James Humphreys was seen using an e-scooter, which are currently banned on the roads apart from in certain trial zones, in Walworth Road.

He was arrested on Pilgrims Way, outside the Swallow, soon afterwards on June 2.

The 29-year-old admitted not having insurance or a licence that allowed him to use that class of motor vehicle when he appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on June 17.

After his arrest, he was taken to Basingstoke's police station where he was found in possession of cannabis, and also failed to take a breath test.

Humphreys, of Kings Road, was given a community order which will see him carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

He was also ordered to pay a £95 victim surcharge and costs of £45.

He was banned from holding a drivers licence for three years.

What is the law surrounding e-scooters?

E-scooters are banned in England, except in a number of trial areas.

These includes parts of London, Bournemouth and the Solent area.

Currently, they are classed as a motorised vehicle, so is bound by the terms of the Road Traffic Act – requiring an MOT, tax, and a license to be driven on a public road.

As a result, legally, the only place they can be driven is on private land with the landowners permission, as they don’t have number plates, turn signals or visible rear red lights.

The government is trialling e-scooter rental schemes, where it would be legal to use them for hire provided the user has a driver's license.