Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
243. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of e-bikes, e-scooters and scrambler bikes seized by an Garda Síochána, by division in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and the number of same returned to owners over the same time period. [10760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur road safety strategy takes a whole of government approach and is a shared responsibility. Development and implementation of road traffic legislation and policy falls within the remit of my colleague Darragh O'Brien TD, the Minister for Transport, and the vital role of enforcing road traffic laws is carried out by An Garda Síochána.
Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes, e-scooters and other such vehicles including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997. I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal use of scramblers, quads, e-bikes and e-scooters.
I am informed by Garda authorities that based on incidents of vehicles detained (including those detained under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act) as well as incidents of property seized recorded on PULSE (where there was at least one linked vehicle that was either a scrambler or quad bike or both) the table below outlines incidents where an e-scooter, scrambler or e-bike was seized or detained by An Garda Síochána between 2024 and 2025.
|
- |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Incidents where e-scooters were seized or detained |
326 |
817 |
|
Incidents where scramblers were seized or detained |
173 |
167 |
|
Incidents where quad bikes were seized or detained |
41 |
40 |
|
Incidents where e-bikes were seized or detained |
96 |
- |
The above figures are based on incidents occurring within the year specified. All information is based upon operational data from the PULSE system and is liable to change. Multiple vehicles may have been seized at each incident so, therefore, the figures above correspond to the number of incidents in which a vehicle was seized rather than the number of vehicles seized. Data relating to the number of vehicles seized or detained by An Garda Síochána in 2026 and in respect of e-bikes for 2025 is unavailable at this time.
Each seizure of a vehicle is individual and the subsequent disposal of any particular vehicle is dependent on the individual circumstances of the case.
Where legislation requires/provides that an e-scooter, scrambler or e-bike be returned to the owner, that will be done subject to any costs being paid. Where a vehicle is not claimed by the owner, following expiry of any prescribed time limit, it can be disposed of either by way of sale or destruction.
Where an e-scooter, scrambler, quad or e-bike is detained as part of a wider criminal investigation, the length of the detention is subject to any evidential need of the investigation and any potential court order at the end of any proceedings.
