Police in Belfast have seized 65 e-bikes and e-scooters during a weekend crackdown on their illegal use. The operation ran from Friday to Sunday across the city, with uniformed officers, plain-clothed colleagues and an air support unit taking part. Three petrol motorbikes were also seized.
Arrests and seizures
Inspector Matt Adams described it as an “extremely successful operation with the concerns of the local community at the forefront”. Seven arrests were made for offences including possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, dangerous driving, aggravated taking and driving away and other offences. Around £3,600 was seized along with a significant quantity of drugs, including suspected heroin, cocaine and cannabis.
Among those from whom vehicles were seized were children and adults, including a six-year-old. They are set to face what police described as “a range of criminal justice outcomes”.
Legal requirements and safety
Insp Adams said the inappropriate use of e-bikes and e-scooters poses a risk to both riders and the public. Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed motor vehicles, meaning riders must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
He noted that people have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use and that the number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of the problem.
Disposal and public appeal
More than 60 nuisance vehicles are now off the road. 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.
Police are asking the local community to continue reporting illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles. Insp Adams said it will require a co-ordinated approach by sellers, parents and guardians, users and owners, police and partners to reduce the number of e-scooters and e-bikes on roads and encourage responsible and legal use.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or online at reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org. Information on the law around e-scooters is available at psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/e-scooter-scrambler-and-quad-safety.
