Bid to give PSNI stronger powers to seize e-scooters backed by cross-party MLAs

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew, and Mid Ulster SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone.

The PSNI could soon be handed stronger powers to seize illegally used e-scooters without first issuing a warning under a proposed amendment tabled at Stormont by North Antrim MLA Paul Frew and Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone.

The move comes amid growing concern over the reckless use of e-scooters on roads and pavements across Northern Ireland, with politicians, police, doctors and vulnerable pedestrians all warning that serious injuries — or worse — are becoming increasingly likely.

Under current legislation, police officers generally must warn a rider before seizing a vehicle being used in a manner causing “alarm, distress or annoyance”.

The proposed amendment would remove that requirement, making it easier for officers to immediately confiscate e-scooters being used dangerously in public spaces.

The amendment has been tabled as part of the Justice Bill currently progressing through the Northern Ireland Assembly and is now seeking wider support from MLAs across parties before being formally added to the marshalled list.

Frew says public are “at real risk”

Mr Frew said complaints about e-scooter misuse were now being raised with him on a weekly basis, describing the situation as a growing public safety issue affecting communities across Northern Ireland.

He said:

“The problem of e-scooters on our streets and pavements being driving inappropriately and recklessly needs to be addressed and we have taken the opportunity to table an amendment to the Justice Bill to try to assist the PSNI and to ensure that they can seize these scooters without the added requirement of having to give a stated warning that they will seize the scooter.

“The scourge of these offroad vehicles being driven on our roads and pavements is a serious one, I receive complaints about their misuse every week and people are at real risk of injury or even death by these things.

“These vehicles are not road worthy and many use them at great speeds with very little protective clothing on.”

Mr Frew also highlighted the cross-party nature of the proposal, saying he and Mr McGlone had previously worked together on legislative changes through the Justice Committee.

He added:

“I will continue to work with likeminded politicians to make a positive change where I can.

“This is what politics is all about and whilst many accuse politicians of always arguing and fighting, I can assure the public that some of us have spent a lot of time building up relationships and trust in order to work together in order to make Northern Ireland better and keep our people safer.

“We hope that the Assembly will support us.”

What the amendment would change

The proposed amendment targets Article 65 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, which currently restricts police seizure powers unless certain warning conditions are met.

At present, officers generally cannot seize a vehicle unless:

• A warning has first been issued to the rider

• The use continues or is repeated after that warning

Existing exceptions already allow immediate seizure in some situations, including where giving a warning is impractical or where previous warnings have been issued within the last 12 months.

The new amendment would remove paragraphs four and five entirely, effectively allowing officers to seize vehicles immediately where they believe they are being used dangerously or antisocially.

The proposed wording states:

“Seizure of motor vehicles used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance.

“In Article 65 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 omit paragraphs (4) and (5) (power of seizure etc exercisable only if warning given, subject to certain exceptions).”

Further names can still be added to the amendment before Assembly consideration, with both MLAs actively encouraging colleagues to support the proposal.

Minister launches fresh warning over illegal e-scooter use

The legislative push comes as Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins launched a new public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers linked to illegal e-scooter use.

This week, the Department for Infrastructure released a series of videos featuring doctors, visually impaired people and road safety voices describing the impact dangerous e-scooter use is having on daily life.

The Minister said concern around the issue was continuing to grow, particularly among vulnerable pedestrians.

“I am aware of the increasing concern around the illegal use of e-scooters on our public roads and spaces,” she said.

“It is highly dangerous for the riders, and for members of the public.

“E-scooters are heavy machines. Those who ride them often weave through pedestrians at speed, or straight into oncoming busy traffic, often causing terrifying near misses, dangerous collisions, or causing serious injury.”

The campaign includes testimony from Dr Duncan Redmill, a consultant in emergency medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital, who warned about the potentially life-changing consequences linked to e-scooter collisions.

Julieanne, who has sight and hearing impairments, also described how a near miss with an e-scooter badly affected her confidence and everyday mobility.

Another contributor, Ken — who is registered blind — explained how fears around e-scooters could leave visually impaired people increasingly isolated from public spaces.

Ken said his guide dog Waffle gives him independence and confidence, but warned that a collision or frightening incident could severely impact both of them.

Minister Kimmins added:

“As these videos have clearly shown, e-scooters strike fear into those who are particularly vulnerable, those with mobility issues or visual impairments – who feel like they have to change their route just to feel safer.

“I want to remind everyone that e-scooters are not toys, and parents and guardians must be aware of these risks to children and young people.

“Anyone using e-scooters in public spaces are putting their lives, and the lives of those around them at risk, and they’re breaking the law.”

PSNI says many riders are breaking the law

The PSNI has also backed efforts to raise awareness around the legal position of e-scooters in Northern Ireland.

Head of Road Policing, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson said many riders did not realise the vehicles are classed as motor vehicles under current law.

That means riders must hold a driving licence, while the vehicle itself must be taxed, insured, fitted with lights and display a number plate.

In practice, this means privately owned e-scooters are generally illegal to use on roads, pavements and most public spaces in Northern Ireland.

Chief Inspector Simpson said:

“From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public. People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.”

She added that officers use a four-stage approach when dealing with riders — “engage, explain, encourage and enforce” — but warned that reducing illegal use would require cooperation from parents, retailers, owners and public agencies.

The growing pressure for tougher enforcement comes as complaints continue to surface in towns and cities across Northern Ireland over e-scooters being ridden through busy pedestrian areas, near schools and on public roads.

Videos released as part of the campaign

Dr Duncan Redmill, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast — “E-scooters are not toys, they’re heavy dangerous machines”

Julieanne, who is sight and hearing impaired, warns of the dangers of e-scooters — “It knocks your confidence”

Meet Ken, who is registered blind, and his guide dog Waffle

Minister Liz Kimmins warns e-scooter users they are “breaking the law”

The amendment is expected to face further scrutiny as the Justice Bill progresses through the Assembly, but the cross-party backing behind the proposal reflects growing political pressure to tighten enforcement against illegal e-scooter use before more serious incidents occur.