Two teenagers caught on e-scooter by gardaí while driver was on video call
Gardaí in Westmeath confiscated the e-scooter which was found to have defective breaks
The incident happened in Mullingar on Monday evening when two youths were spotted travelling through the Westmeath town.
The gardaí noticed the rear passenger was holding a mobile phone in front of its driver to allow them continue their phone call.
Gardaí directed the youths to stop, but they initially failed to do so.
However, the driver was eventually stopped and spoken to.
Gardaí outlined in a social media post that the e-scooter, pictured, was subsequently found to have defective brakes.
"The e-scooter was seized for examination and pending such will determine the outcome," gardaí said.
"It is illegal to carry more than one person and use a mobile phone while operating an e-scooter," gardaí outlined.
They also reminded people of new laws on the use of e-scooters, which prohibits their use by under 16s in a public place.
Under new laws which came into effect on May 20, no more than one person will be permitted to be on an e-scooter at a time, and for an e scooter to be used without tax, insurance and a driving license, it will have a maximum speed of no more than 20 km/h.
Gardaí in Westmeath also confirmed that in the last few days 2 e-scooters were also seized as they were being operated by youths who were under the age of 16 years-of-age.