ELECTRIC scooter firm Pure Electric is pulling the plug on its first Northern Irish store lower than a yr after opening.
Located shut to Belfast City Hall, the Upper Queen Street outlet opened in May 2021 as Pure Electric’s first outlet on the island of Ireland.
It operated as a showcase for the GB firm’s vary of electrical scooters and electrical bikes, providing click on and accumulate companies, in addition to workers to service scooters and bicycles.
But not like the Republic, the legislation on electrical scooters (e-scooters) stays strict in Northern Ireland.
As it stands, e-scooters can solely be used on non-public land right here.
They stay banned from public roads and footways below The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
The legislation requires e-scooters to be absolutely taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a quantity plate so as to be used on public roads. Riders should additionally maintain a full driving licence and put on the required security tools.
The PSNI has additionally warned e-scooter riders that they face fines and automobile seizure if caught on public roads.
The Irish authorities has already moved on the problem, passing new laws in October 2021 to enable the usage of e-scooters and e-bikes on public roads for the first time.
In England trials of rented e-scooters are set to proceed in 34 areas throughout 2022 as the federal government weighs up new laws.
Although the laws stays strict within the north, it isn’t unlawful to purchase e-scooters.
In a press release to The Irish News, Pure Electric described its Belfast showroom as a “seasonal pop-up”.
A spokesperson mentioned: “We started up our Belfast seasonal pop-up in May and our team have achieved a great deal, enabling us to understand the Irish market and create great experiences for our riders.
“Our lease is now over – watch this space for future Pure activity in Ireland.”
Founded by Adam Norris in 2018, Pure Electric has expanded shortly in Britain, describing itself because the UK’s main specialist electrical scooter and electrical bike retailer. It additionally operates in France, Belgium and Spain, the place e-scooters are authorized.
While the corporate argues e-scooters and e-bikes might help cut back congestion and decrease air air pollution, issues have been expressed over the protection of the automobiles and whether or not the proliferation of privately owned e-scooters advantages well being and the setting.
As a consequence, the Department for Transport in London has prolonged the general public trials in England till November 30 2022 so as to collect extra knowledge.