Debate contribution: Antisocial Scrambler and e-Scooter Use

Debate contribution by Mr Maurice Bradley on 21 April 2026.

MLA: Mr Maurice Bradley
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 21 April 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: Antisocial Scrambler and e-Scooter Use
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5497905

Text

I support the DUP amendment. We need to understand that the motion and the amendment refer to a small minority of reckless drivers and not the majority of people who own scramblers or e-scooters. Constituents are, however, fed up seeing those vehicles being driven at speed, with no regard for pedestrians, no regard for the law and no regard for public safety. Older people are frightened, parents are worried, and people with sight or mobility impairments are being put in danger in places where they should feel safe. Let us be honest, in some areas, this goes beyond antisocial behaviour. Those vehicles are widely believed to be used for intimidation, coercion and criminality. If that is the reality in our communities, government must stop lagging behind events and start to act.
I live in a rural area, so I virtually never see e-scooters unless I come into the town, but they are a problem. In the rural constituency that I represent, the problem is mostly the irresponsible use of scramblers.
The PSNI is being asked to deal with the problem while operating under serious constraints. Officers know that direct pursuit can create a major risk to life. Offenders know it too and exploit that weakness. They believe that they can act with impunity, because the chances of being caught are too low and the consequences are too weak. That must end. In my day, the problem was the Honda step-through moped: the Honda 50 and the Honda 90. In today's society, it is e-scooters and scramblers. The police need more than sympathy; they need powers, resources and technology. That means additional support for drone teams and drone-equipped officers and stronger seizure powers. Let us be clear: small fines are no deterrent. When the vehicles are being used to endanger the public or intimidate communities, they should be seized, retained and, where appropriate, destroyed. Offenders should be permanently deprived of them. Enough passing from one Department to another, enough delay and enough excuses. If the law is too weak, strengthen it. If the police need more powers, give them. If offenders exploit loopholes, close them. Our communities deserve protection, not platitudes. The Minister must act in collaboration with the Minister for Infrastructure to legislate to curb the irresponsible use of scramblers, e-scooters and similar vehicles. I support the amendment.

388 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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