Figures show increase in number of e-scooter seizures in Cork

Seizures of e-scooters in Cork during the first quarter of the year increased sharply, but scrambler seizures did not.

There were 31 e-scooter seizures across the first three months of 2026, the same amount for the entirety of last year, according to new figures provided by justice minister Jim O’Callaghan.

There were four e-scooter seizures in 2023 and 15 in 2024, figures provided by Garda Superintendent John Deasy at a community safety partnership meeting earlier this year revealed.

However, the level of scrambler seizures has remained steadier so far.

There have been six scrambler seizures in Cork so far this year, compared to 19 in the whole of 2025.

Scrambler seizures

Mr Deasy previously said that there were also 19 scrambler seizures in Cork in 2024, and 17 in 2023.

Mr O’Callaghan said that the data is collected at incident level and is not a count of vehicles seized or detained, as more than one vehicle can be seized in a single incident.

“Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other State agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all,” he said.

“Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of e-scooters, scramblers, and other such vehicles, and I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing this issue.”

The information was provided to Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould, who asked for information on seizures, but also on the number of calls to gardaí about scrambler usage in Cork this year.

Calls prioritised for response

Mr O’Callaghan did not provide a figure, but said: “An Garda Síochána respond to all calls for service, and calls are routed through a regional control room and prioritised for response.”

Mr Gould said: “I am hearing from people scared to leave their house, who can’t let their children walk dogs and who are worried for elderly parents because of scramblers across Cork city.

“When I attended the justice committee last week to discuss illegal scrambler usage, the garda commissioner claimed that they have enough resources to tackle scramblers. I told him there, and I still believe, that this isn’t true.”

Mr O’Callaghan said: “I can assure the deputy that gardaí respond to reports of antisocial behaviour and conduct operations on a continuous basis, targeting people engaged in antisocial activities involving the misuse of scramblers, electric motorbikes, and e-scooters in public places.

" These initiatives are supported by campaigns across various media and social media platforms to highlight the dangers connected with the use of these vehicles.”