Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 8 October 2025.
Bob Doris
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to address the misuse of e-bikes and off-road vehicles, in light of reported concerns that it is a growing community safety issue. (S6O-05037)
Siobhian Brown
Scottish National Party
We remain committed to working collaboratively with local authorities and Police Scotland through the road safety framework strategic partnership board. Earlier this year, I met several members of the Scottish Parliament to discuss concerns, which led to a summer safety awareness campaign.
Enforcement is a matter for Police Scotland, whose local teams are best placed to identify misuse and prevent future incidents. It is undertaking initiatives, including work with delivery companies.
Police funding has increased to a record £1.62 billion this year. We will continue to engage with the United Kingdom Government, which holds reserved powers over off-road vehicles, including licensing and regulation.
Bob Doris
Scottish National Party
I thank the Minister for acknowledging meeting me and other colleagues on two occasions to explore the matter further. As the minister noted, the one tangible outcome was the summer safety awareness campaign that I had called for. However, many concerns remain, including my own that, when Police Scotland confiscates off-road vehicles and e-bikes for misuse—which often causes danger and damage and contributes to antisocial behaviour—vehicles are often returned with little consequence. That must change.
Will the Scottish Government review provisions in that area? Will the minister again meet me and colleagues to continue to progress the matter and a range of other matters, and so keep that partnership working alive?
Siobhian Brown
Scottish National Party
I will be happy—I am sure that Jim Fairlie will be, too—to meet members to keep the conversation alive.
We support Police Scotland and its partners in dealing with the misuse of vehicles. Across Scotland, police have seized 816 e-bikes and scooters in the past year, mainly on account of the rider having no licence or insurance. As I said, enforcement is a matter for Police Scotland, and local policing teams are best placed to identify misuse and work to prevent future incidents.
The road policing function of Police Scotland is leading on the development of new guidance on the organisation’s approach to the returning of confiscated vehicles. I am keen to work with all interested MSPs to determine potential opportunities for further Government action, including approaches to the UK Government.
Sue Webber
Conservative
In response to my recent parliamentary question, in which I highlighted the criminality associated with e-bike use, the Minister stated:
“Police Scotland is keeping its approach to the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters under review.”—[Official Report, 17 September 2025; c 18.]
That does not help the victims of crime; it brings no confidence to communities that are plagued by these thieves; and neither does it say that we are serious about cracking down on the criminals or the antisocial behaviour associated with the use of e-bikes. I am respectful of the answer that the minister has just provided to Mr Doris, but will the Scottish Government finally provide the resources, guidance and training that Police Scotland needs to allow it to crack down on this sort of crime?
Siobhian Brown
Scottish National Party
I hope that the member appreciates that ministers have met members several times this year to tackle the issue. The issue is not being ignored. Police Scotland has a record £1.64 billion in its budget this year. As I said to Mr Doris, Police Scotland is doing on-going work on the confiscation of vehicles, and I hope that we will be able to update you at the next meeting.
Annabelle Ewing
Scottish National Party
Always speak through the chair.
The member who was due to ask question 5 is not present.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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