Roads Policing Message - Dangers and Illegal Use of Scramblers, E Scooters and E Bikes in Ireland

An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal and dangerous use of scramblers, quads, e-bikes, and e-scooters. This ongoing effort has been significantly bolstered by the enactment of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.

These types of vehicles can cause death or serious injury to riders and other members of the public, damage public property, and undermine lawful transport provision. An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have highlighted these increasing incidents across the country. There is an array of current legislation that tackles this problem including Sections 41 and 109A of the Road Traffic Act. This legislation provides powers to seize, detain and dispose of illegal vehicles that are being used in any public spaces.

In the Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), between 1st January and 30th October 2025, a total of (449) scramblers, quads, e-bikes, and e-scooters were seized in the DMR. This marks a steady rise and effective performance in this particular area of policing when compared with figures from the same period in previous years: (128) seizures in 2024, (67) in 2023, (63) in 2022, and (65) in 2021. These figures are indicative of An Garda Síochána’s robust and operationally active policing response to this issue. The Assistant Commissioner is focused on driving performance in this particular area of policing and road safety across the country

Scramblers: off‑road motorcycles and quads used on roads and in public spaces. Often uninsured, unlicensed and modified for performance; frequently involved in antisocial behaviour, collisions, and damage to parks/green spaces.

E‑scooters: lightweight electric scooters designed for private property or with limited speeds but commonly used on public roads/footpaths despite not being generally legal on public roads in Ireland (except for authorised trials). Many are privately owned, unregistered and lack lighting/reflectors, brakes and appropriate speed regulation.

E‑bikes: These power assisted e bikes are often high‑powered, modified electric bikes that exceed legal power/speed limits and effectively function as mopeds/motorcycles without proper registration, insurance, tax or licence.

Key dangers to using these types of vehicles

Collision risk: high speed in congested urban spaces, limited if any rider training, poor protective equipment and unpredictable rider behaviour increase risk of severe injury or fatality to riders, pedestrians and other road users.

Infrastructure and community harm: reckless use on footpaths, plazas and parks damages public spaces, creates fear and reduces amenity use.

Criminality and antisocial behaviour: vehicles are frequently used in theft, drug activity, intimidation, and in evading Gardaí; stolen vehicles are a common problem.

Insurance and liability: uninsured or unregistered vehicles leave victims without clear recourse; riders face criminal charges and heavy civil liabilities if injured parties seek compensation.

Current legislation

Road Traffic Act

Section 41: Provides Gardaí powers to seize vehicles involved in certain offences (e.g., where no insurance or registration, or to prevent continuing commission of an offence). Enables detention and seizure at the roadside.

Section 109A (introduced to strengthen enforcement against vehicles used in certain offences): grants Gardaí powers related to the seizure, immobilisation and disposal of vehicles involved in offences, and to remove illegally modified or dangerous vehicles from use.

Other enforcement: Road Traffic Acts contain offences for driving without a licence, driving uninsured, dangerous driving, and using vehicles on public roads that do not meet vehicle standards—each carrying criminal penalties, fines and potential custodial sentences.

Disposal and destruction: Where vehicles are unclaimed, cannot be made compliant, or were used in serious criminality, statutory provisions permit disposal, sale or destruction following statutory procedures, custody periods and notices. Garda operational policy and local authority powers contribute to how vehicles are stored and destroyed.

Measures being taken in Ireland

Garda operations: targeted patrols, checkpoints and intelligence‑led operations to detect and seize illegal scramblers, e‑scooters and e‑bikes; multi‑agency taskforces in some areas focused on youth antisocial behaviour and vehicle theft.

RSA engagement: public information campaigns highlighting legal status of privately owned e‑scooters, safety guidance for riders and pedestrians, and support for safer alternative options. RSA publishes guidance and works with local authorities on safety messaging.

Local authority actions: enforcement of bye‑laws, removal of vehicles from parks and public spaces, secure storage and disposal arrangements; community outreach and secure bike‑parking infrastructure to reduce theft.

Best advice if you encounter illegal or dangerous vehicles

Personal safety first: do not attempt to stop or seize a vehicle or confront riders. Avoid escalating situations.

Report promptly: call Gardaí (999/112 for emergencies, or the local Garda station/non‑emergency number) with location, vehicle descriptions (colour, make, registration if visible), direction of travel, number of occupants and any antisocial/criminal behaviour observed.

Preserve evidence: if safe, note times, take photos or short videos from a safe distance (do not film victims or minors in a way that could identify them unnecessarily).

Community action: inform local authority about damaged public property; where repeated antisocial incidents occur, community groups should collate reports to present to Gardaí and councils.

For victims: seek medical attention for injuries, report incidents to Gardaí. Preserve receipts, photos and witness details.