MSP calls for anonymous portal to report antisocial use of ebikes in West Lothian
‘Weak enforcement is emboldening offenders and discouraging reporting’ - Pauline Stafford MSP
Bathgate SNP MSP Pauline Stafford has called for a dedicated and anonymous portal to be set up for people to report antisocial and criminal use of e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorbikes.
Raising the issue in the Scottish Parliament, she said: “Towns and villages in my constituency are experiencing both a significant localised issue, with off-road motorbikes arriving from across the UK to use the Broxburn bing—which is a protected site—and, more generally, the widespread dangerous and illegal use of powered bikes and scooters.
“My discussions with residents and community groups over the summer highlighted a clear concern that weak enforcement is emboldening offenders and discouraging reporting.”
And she asked Victims and Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald: “Given the scale of the problem, will she consider developing a dedicated and anonymous portal to encourage reporting?”
Ms Oswald said the situation Ms Stafford described was “unacceptable”. She said police already had powers to seize vehicles used unlawfully. In 2025, 547 e-bikes were seized, up from 330 in 2024, and a further 195 were seized between January 1 and April 21 this year.
She said: “We are working with Police Scotland to strengthen the powers to confiscate and retain vehicles that are used antisocially while continuing to press the UK Government on reserved registration and licensing issues.”
She and Justice Secretary Neil Gray had met Police Scotland to discuss enforcement.
“In West Lothian, I understand, Police Scotland has undertaken a range of action, including regular patrols of hotspots and the use of police off-road bikes. It has also engaged with landowners and undertaken targeted community engagement.
“To support further enforcement work, I encourage everyone to make reports, including anonymously to Crimestoppers.”