E-scooters, electric bikes and scramblers worth thousands of euros seized by Limerick gardai

GARDAI have taken over 40 e-scooters, electric bikes and scramblers worth thousands of euros off the streets and roads.

A garda spokesperson said gardaí conducted two days of action on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 18 and 19.

It was carried out by gardai attached to the Limerick Division from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and Community Policing, supported by uniform members from regular operational units.

“Over the course of the two days, in excess of 40 e-scooters, electric bikes and scramblers were seized in accordance with the relevant legislation.

“In addition, a number of properties were searched, while proactive high-visibility patrols were conducted throughout the city,” said a garda spokesperson.

They added that the operation was designed not only to identify and enforce road traffic offences but also to deter and disrupt the use of these vehicles in connection with criminal activity.

“During the operation, members of the Divisional Roads Policing Unit utilised dynamometers to test e-scooters and establish compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.

“This provided members with an effective means of identifying vehicles that were being used in breach of the applicable legislation,” said a garda spokesperson.

The aim of the operation, entitled Meacán, is to tackle the use of electronic vehicles such as electric motorbikes, e-scooters and e-bikes which are “being used illegally in our public spaces and for criminal activity including drug dealing and distribution, money laundering, transporting firearms, Drug Related Intimidation (DRI) and other serious offences”.

These are often driven on footpaths, parks and laneways in order to avoid detection by An Garda Síochána.

“Investigations are ongoing.” said a garda spokseperson.