Police across Belfast seized 65 e-bikes and e-scooters during a coordinated 'Weekend of Action' from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September, supported by the Air Support Unit and plain-clothed officers, to crack down on illegal use of the vehicles.

Devices were taken from both children and adults, with the youngest rider just six years old. Those stopped now face a range of criminal justice outcomes. Officers also seized three petrol motorbikes.

Commenting on the operation, Inspector Matt Adams said: "This was an extremely successful operation with the concerns of the local community at the forefront.”

"Police made seven arrests for a range of offences including Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Supply, Dangerous Driving, Aggravated Taking and Driving Away and other offences. Around £3,600 was seized and a significant quantity of drugs including suspected heroin, cocaine and cannabis were recovered. "Over sixty nuisance vehicles are now off the road – and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates court, at the owner's expense.

"Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.

"From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public. People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.

"The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem. As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.

"We cannot it alone, it will require a co-ordinated approach by sellers, parents and guardians, users/owners, police and partners to reduce the number of e-scooters and e-bikes on our roads and encourage their responsible and legal use."