Q1 E-Scooter Seizures Already at 81% of 2025 Total - McAuliffe

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West Paul McAuliffe has welcomed the ongoing work of Garda Operation Meacán and wider Garda enforcement efforts following the release of new figures showing more than 1,000 incidents involving e-scooters, e-bikes, scramblers and quad bikes being seized or detained during the first three months of 2026.

Newly released figures show that 1,005 incidents involving vehicles being seized or detained were recorded during the first quarter of 2026, including 754 involving e-scooters, 140 involving e-bikes, 94 involving scramblers and 17 involving quad bikes.

By comparison, during the whole of 2025 Gardaí recorded 931 incidents involving e-scooters, 237 involving e-bikes, 159 involving scramblers and 40 involving quad bikes where vehicles were seized or detained. The number of incidents involving e-scooters in the first three months of 2026 has already reached 81% of the total recorded during all of last year.

Deputy McAuliffe said the figures demonstrate a significant ramping up of Garda enforcement activity through Operation Meacán.

"These figures show that Garda enforcement activity has increased significantly, with more than 1,000 vehicles seized or detained in the first three months of this year alone.

"That level of enforcement is welcome, but it also highlights the scale of the challenge that still exists in many communities. Residents continue to raise concerns about the misuse of scramblers, e-scooters and high-powered e-bikes in parks, housing estates and public spaces.

"Operation Meacán is putting pressure on those involved and we need to keep that pressure on. Gardaí must continue to have the resources and support needed to target the dangerous and antisocial use of these vehicles."

Deputy McAuliffe said it is important that enforcement efforts continue alongside public awareness and appropriate regulation.

"Communities should not have to put up with intimidation, noise nuisance or dangerous driving. The job is not done until these issues are no longer a feature of daily life for residents."