E-bikes and scooters have 'become a challenging issue' for police

E-Scooters and e-bikes have "become a challenging issue" for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the lead road safety officer has said.

From 1 January until 31 October 2026 provisional figures show 473 of the machines were seized by the PSNI, 379 of which were e-scooters.

In the two years between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2026, provisional police figures also show there were 150 collisions involving e-scooters reported to the PSNI. There were two fatalities in that time and 45 people sustained serious injuries.

"We have taken a more robust approach in dealing with the issue," Ch Supt Sam Donaldson said.

"It's crucial there is a consistent approach by officers across Northern Ireland when dealing with the issue," he added.

During a three-day operation in September, a six-year-old child was among those stopped by police and 65 e-bikes and e-scooters were seized.

Donaldson said reports to police are rising and seizures have "dramatically increased".

The issue of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters is highlighted in the new series of the BBC's Peelers: The PSNI For Real, which returns to screens on Wednesday.

In the series, presenter Stephen Nolan sees officers responding to complaints about e-bikes and e-scooters in public spaces - and the scale of the problem they face.

In one episode, a police helicopter monitors a child driving an e-scooter recklessly in Belfast city centre.

Footage shows him weaving in and out of traffic, doing wheelies and driving the wrong way down one-way streets.

The air support is deployed because officers on the ground fear that if they chase the suspect, he could fall off and injure himself or others.

The helicopter tracks the boy to his home, to which officers are sent to arrest him and confiscate the e-scooter.

An e-scooter is an electrically-powered vehicle consisting of a narrow foot platform mounted on wheels, attached to a long, narrow steering column with handlebars.

Users travel by standing on the platform, known as a deck, and are propelled forward by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery.

Owning, buying or selling an e-scooter is not illegal in Northern Ireland but they can only be used on private land and only if the landowner gives their permission.

Last year, police said there was "no specific offence" for using an e-scooter on public roads in Northern Ireland.

But officers can enforce other rules in relation to them, such as having no vehicle excise duty - usually referred to as car tax or road tax - or insurance, which the user is unlikely to have for an off-road vehicle.

"We need the public to understand the legalities in relation to e-scooters, as we see how children are using them as a toy, similar to bikes and how they're bought as presents, for example birthdays or at Christmas," Ch Supt Donaldson said.

"Adults use e-scooters as a means to get from place-to place, e.g. work, to the shop, and as a cheap and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

"We also see how e-scooters are used as a vehicle for those involved in anti-social behaviour.

"Regardless of how they're being used, we are appealing to anyone who owns and rides an e-scooter to stop using it in public. To anyone considering buying one for themselves, or as a present, think twice. They can only be ridden on private property with the owner's permission.

"Using them in public spaces is illegal."

The Police Federation said it was concerned about the risks the vehicles posed to officers.

The federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said that the problem was also putting police at risk of "protracted complaint investigations" by the Police Ombudsman.

"Colleagues have shared worrying accounts of the blatant irresponsibility and disregard shown by owners," said the federation.

"The dangers are obvious for owners who use them for displays of street bravado.

"They are not toys.

"The reckless and unlawful use of e-bikes and scooters poses an unacceptable risk to pedestrians and road users alike."

But the federation said officers would "do all they can to apprehend those who are turning our streets and paths into places of high risk".

In the new series of Peelers: The PSNI For Real, Nolan once again joins officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland as they go patrol.

As well as familiar officers from the first series, the show's second season features some new faces from police teams in Lurgan and Portadown in County Armagh.

Officers are seen dealing with everything from street fights and dangerous driving offences to animal cruelty investigations, domestic abuse cases and major drug searches.

"The response to the first series of Peelers was incredible. Everywhere I went, people were asking me about it," said Nolan.

"We're delighted to be back with even greater access to front-line policing across Northern Ireland.

"This series gives viewers an unfiltered look at the reality of the job, following officers as they tackle crime, protect vulnerable people and respond to incidents that can change in an instant.

"It's compelling, surprising and, at times, deeply moving television.

"And, of course, it wouldn't be Peelers without the officers giving me a bit of stick from time to time."

The full second series of Peelers: The PSNI For Real is available now on BBC iPlayer and the first episode will be shown on BBC One Northern Ireland at 22:40 GMT on Wednesday.