Powerful e-scooter lands man in Waterford court
A member of Waterford Gardaí gave evidence that the e-scooter in question had a power of 1,000 watts.
A man appeared before Waterford District Court this week for having no insurance on an e-scooter.
The case arose after the power of the e-scooter was deemed to be higher than that permitted.
Jaonais Da Costa Almeida (40), of 28 Park House, Canada Square, Waterford city, was stopped by Gardaí on February 10 last at the Apple Market in the city.
A member of Waterford Gardaí gave evidence that the e-scooter in question had a power of 1,000 watts, capable of travelling at 55km/hour. The maximum wattage allowed is 400 watts.
The voltage of the e-scooter’s battery was 48 volts. The defendant wasn’t speeding at the time.
Solicitor Ken Cunningham said the e-scooter had been purchased online for €699 for his client’s child and that Mr Da Costa Almeida had taken it for a spin.
The voltage of the battery was beyond what is legally permitted, but the defendant didn’t realise.
Judge Kevin Staunton adjourned the matter for 12 months, to June 10, 2027, noting that he would strike out the matter if the defendant doesn’t come to adverse garda attention in the meantime.
