Waterford gardaí investigate incident on river walk involving scrambler bikes
The investigation comes as new legislation gives gardaí additional powers to deal with more motorised vehicles
Gardaí in Waterford are investigating an incident involving a number of scrambler bikes.
The gardaí received a number of reports of scrambler bikes on the Maypark/ Dunmore Road river walk at around 2pm on Wednesday, April 1.
CCTV of the incident has been obtained by gardaí.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána in Waterford said: “We would encourage people to report any such activities with as much detail as possible to allow An Garda Síochána to successfully prosecute any breaches of the Road Traffic Act.”
The appeal comes as the gardaí get new powers to deal with the use of non-registered motorized vehicles.
The Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicle) Regulations 2026 came into effect on Friday, April 3.
The new rules mean off-road vehicles are not allowed to be used in public spaces.
The regulation defines an “off-road motorcycle” as a mechanically propelled vehicle that is primarily intended for off-road use and designed to travel on unpaved surfaces (referred to in Article 2.2(g) of the Approval Regulation), or that has been specifically modified for such off-road use, and includes – â¯
- Motorised quadbikes
- Motorised trikes
- Motorised trail-bikes
- A scrambler,
- Pit-bikes
- Dirt-bikes
- Motorised go-carts
- Motorised off-road buggies.
This does not apply if a person is using such a vehicle on their own land or someone else’s land, who has given permission in writing.
⯠⯠Waterford gardaí said that they had some success tackling the dangerous use of these vehicles and highlighted a recent case.
“Most recently, on the outer ring road in Waterford City at the end of March, when gardaí encountered two drivers on motorised scooters who were allegedly involved in incidents of dangerous driving.
“Gardaí apprehended one of the drivers and seized the motorised vehicle, and the driver was arrested, detained and interviewed and a file is being forwarded for decision with regard to multiple road traffic offences,” said the spokesperson.
The gardaí also warn anyone who finds their vehicle seized that it will not be returned to them unless a District Court judge grants an application.
