Police in L'Derry have seized several e-scooters this week following growing community concerns regarding their dangerous use in the Ballyarnett area.

Officers from the Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) confiscated two machines during targeted patrols—one on Monday, 12 January, and another on Tuesday evening, 13 January. Two male youths are now set to be reported to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) for various traffic-related offences in connection with the seizures.

The crackdown follows reports from local residents of e-scooters being ridden at high speeds on main roads and footpaths. Witnesses described riders operating without helmets or lights, posing a significant risk to pedestrians and other road users.

Ballyarnett NPT Sergeant McCollum said: "We have heard directly from people living in the area who have serious concerns of what could happen. They have described seeing these machines being ridden at considerable speed in the middle of main roads and on footpaths close to pedestrians, with no lights or helmets being worn.

"E-scooters, scramblers, go-peds, buzz boards, quads and mini-motos do not generally comply with construction and use legislation and vehicle standards so are therefore, restricted to off-road use only. "If used on the road the rider would require the following, among the requirements is having a driving licence from age 16 (minimum Category AM). Reports we have received recently is that young children are riding these e-scooters."

Police have clarified that because e-scooters are classified as motorised vehicles, they must meet strict standards to be used legally in public. This includes being registered, taxed, and insured—requirements that most privately owned e-scooters cannot currently meet.

Sergeant McCollum added: "They are not toys and when driven in the way reported, their use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both riders and the public, and someone could be seriously hurt as a result of their inappropriate use.

"We are working to address concerns around their use and would appeal to those who own one, to put safety first. Our appeal is about keeping people safe and keeping communities safe spaces for all by thinking carefully about where you use your e-scooter, and the potential safety issues you could be causing within your own community."

The PSNI is urging the public to continue reporting illegal or dangerous e-scooter use by calling 101 or submitting a report online at www.psni.police.uk/report. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information on the law around e-scooters can be found at www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/e-scooter-scrambler-and-quad-safety