ELECTRIC scooter company Pure Electric is pulling the plug on its first Northern Irish store less than a year after opening.
Located close 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 company’s range of electric scooters and electric bikes, offering click and collect services, as well as staff to service scooters and bicycles.
But unlike the Republic, the law on electric scooters (e-scooters) remains strict in Northern Ireland.
As it stands, e-scooters can only be used on private land here.
They remain banned from public roads and footways under The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
The law requires e-scooters to be fully taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate in order to be used on public roads. Riders must also hold a full driving licence and wear the required safety equipment.
The PSNI has also warned e-scooter riders that they face fines and vehicle seizure if caught on public roads.
The Irish government has already moved on the issue, passing new legislation in October 2021 to allow the use of e-scooters and e-bikes on public roads for the first time.
In England trials of rented e-scooters are set to continue in 34 areas during 2022 as the government weighs up new legislation.
Although the legislation remains strict in the north, it is not illegal to buy e-scooters.
In a statement to The Irish News, Pure Electric described its Belfast showroom as a “seasonal pop-up”.
A spokesperson said: “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 quickly in Britain, describing itself as the UK’s leading specialist electric scooter and electric bike retailer. It also operates in France, Belgium and Spain, where e-scooters are legal.
While the company argues e-scooters and e-bikes can help reduce congestion and lower air pollution, concerns have been expressed over the safety of the vehicles and whether the proliferation of privately owned e-scooters benefits health and the environment.
As a result, the Department for Transport in London has extended the public trials in England until November 30 2022 in order to gather more data.
