“Intimidating” masked riders have been spotted cruising around Renfrewshire on e-bikes and e-scooters in a trend that is causing alarm in communities.
Independent politicians have held talks with cops to learn more about a crackdown on the anti-social behaviour witnessed in towns and villages.
Police Scotland recently launched Project Trail to tackle illegal use of these vehicles, as well as off-road bikes, with the operation due to run until late August.
Councillors Andy Doig, Will Mylet, Eddie Devine and John Hood met officers at Renfrewshire House on Tuesday and offered their support to the initiative.
Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: “We expressed the disquiet felt by our constituents over this problem.
“In my ward, constituents in both Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch have alerted me to increasing e-bike and e-scooter activity on the NCR 7 cycle path, which connects to Paisley and beyond.
“Invariably these are individuals wearing black clothing and masked up. This is intimidating to cycle path users.”
While it is legal to purchase these types of vehicles in Scotland, e-bikes must meet specific requirements to be treated in the same way as a pedal bike.
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Privately owned e-scooters are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other public places. They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Officers have the power to seize the vehicles if they are being used illegally and charges can be brought against the rider.
Councillor Mylet, who represents Paisley East and Central, said it was “good” to meet with the area commander as they discussed the ongoing work to address irresponsible use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
Councillor Devine, who represents Paisley Southeast, added: “In my ward there are rising concerns about anti-social behaviour due to e-bike and e-scooter related crime and this is the case for all of us.
“It was great that we all had the chance … to learn about Project Trail – especially great was the chance to learn that Police Scotland are looking to employ drone technology to tackle this problem.”
Members of the community who have any information that can assist in identifying masked riders have been encouraged to contact police on 101.
Last month, Inspector Ross Wilson, of the Renfrewshire Community Policing Team, said: “The legislation around their use exists to protect the public and should they be used illegally then policing powers will be used.
“I appreciate that these vehicles have been purchased legally but I encourage both the riders and parents to be aware of the legislation and the risk associated with utilising them in public, not just to the rider but the wider public.
“I am also aware that a number of those riding these off-road bikes are doing so in an anti-social and dangerous manner with no consideration for other road users.
“These riders are often wearing masks hiding their identity with no protective clothing.
“I am encouraging members of the community who have any information to assist in identifying these individuals including CCTV, Ring doorbell or dash-cam footage to contact police via 101 … or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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