The Isle of Wight Council is warning Islanders to stick to the law when using the new e-Scooters for public hire.

The firm behind the scheme has reminded users to read safety advice on its app and to follow the rules of the road.

It comes after a woman became the first to be sentenced for drink driving a scooter on the Isle of Wight.

Towns across the Island are hosting the scheme that allows registered users to hire powered scooters. 

E-Scooter firm Beryl is behind it - rolled out in Newport late last year and since widened to other areas.

Beryl has been running Covid-lockdown initiatives for NHS workers.

It was claimed more than 700 journeys were clocked up in the first week of the Isle of Wight project.

In November, police issued a blunt safety message, over fears that some riders had been flouting the road laws.

Hampshire Constabulary also issued a reminder that privately-owned e-Scooters are not road legal.

Last week, a Hampshire woman was been banned from driving for two years, for riding an e-Scooter through Newport, after drinking alcohol. 

Police stopped Kyah Jordan, 20, of Herbert Road in New Milton, at around 10.30pm on Saturday December 12, after her hired e-Scooter was spotted on Pyle Street.

Drink drive e-scooter rider sentenced by Isle of Wight magistrates

She was also handed a community order and must pay costs and a victim surcharge.

A spokesperson for Beryl said: "Beryl's e-Scooter scheme on the Isle of Wight provides the community with a green, convenient and enjoyable way for people to travel, providing a clear alternative to car journeys. 

"As part of the government's e-Scooter trials, they are classed as a type of motor vehicle and require a valid driving licence, insurance and for users to abide by the rules of the road.

"All users of our service need to abide by these laws and are reminded to follow safety reminders within our app as well as our terms and conditions.

"Just as you wouldn't get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, operating an e-Scooter whilst over the limit is reckless to the user and to the wider community.

"We will continue to work with the council, police and other stakeholders to support the safe and responsible use of our vehicles."

Isle of Wight Council said: "As a supporter of this scheme run by Beryl, the council would like to remind all those participating in the e-scooter service that use of these vehicles must be strictly in accordance with the law."