PSNI continue action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters after 65 seized with youngest rider aged six
Some of the e-scooters seized by police in a targeted operation over the weekend
Police are continuing action against the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters after 65 were seized during a major weekend operation in Belfast.
Police said machines were taken from both adults and children, with the youngest rider aged just six years old. Those involved now face a range of criminal justice outcomes.
65 e-bikes and e-scooters seized
The three-day ‘Weekend of Action’ ran from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September and involved local officers, the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Air Support Unit and plain-clothed officers.
Three petrol motorbikes were also seized during the operation, while police made seven arrests for offences including possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, dangerous driving and aggravated taking and driving away.
Around £3,600 was seized and police said a significant quantity of suspected heroin, cocaine and cannabis was also recovered.
Vehicles could be disposed of within 14 days
Inspector Matt Adams said:
“This was an extremely successful operation with the concerns of the local community at the forefront.
“Over sixty nuisance vehicles are now off the road – and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates court, at the owner’s expense.
“Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
“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.”
Police say seizures show scale of problem
Inspector Adams said the number of vehicles recovered demonstrated the scale of the issue and appealed for communities to continue reporting illegal and dangerous riding.
He added:
“The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem. As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.
“We cannot it alone, it will require a co-ordinated approach by sellers, parents and guardians, users/owners, police and partners to reduce the number of e-scooters and e-bikes on our roads and encourage their responsible and legal use.”
What the law says
Police guidance states that e-scooters generally do not comply with construction and use legislation and vehicle standards and are therefore restricted to off-road use. For road use, requirements include an appropriate driving licence, insurance, registration, vehicle excise licensing and required lights and markings.
Different rules can apply to electrically-assisted pedal cycles, or EAPCs, which meet the legal requirements for that classification. Police guidance distinguishes these from other electrically powered bikes that can be treated as motor vehicles.
The scale of the latest Belfast operation comes amid continuing enforcement elsewhere in Northern Ireland. In August, police seized 23 nuisance vehicles during targeted action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in Lurgan, while PSNI figures show e-scooter seizures increased from two in 2022/23 to 23 in 2023/24 and 28 in 2024/25.
Police figures also recorded 41 injury collisions involving at least one e-scooter during 2024/25, compared with 32 the previous year and 25 in 2022/23.
How to report dangerous or illegal use
Anyone wishing to report illegal or dangerous riding can contact police on 101 or report online.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Further information on the law surrounding e-scooters is available at here.
Police say enforcement will continue alongside efforts involving sellers, parents and guardians, owners and partner organisations to reduce illegal use and the risks posed to riders, pedestrians and other road users.
