Kirkcaldy councillors warn illegal e-bikes and e-scooters are ‘getting out of hand’
Illegal e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming one of Kirkcaldy’s biggest antisocial behaviour problems.
Members of Kirkcaldy’s Area Committee warned that riders have been spotted doing “wheelies” along dual carriageways while one councillor said he was overtaken by one of the problem vehicles.
Cllr Alistair Cameron, who represents Kirkcaldy Central, said the issue was “getting out of hand” and was frightening for members of the public.
“It is happening all around Kirkcaldy and is, in many ways, one of the biggest antisocial issues we have,” he said.
“There is a huge concern to a lot of people and it frightens a lot of people. On a main road myself, I was recently on a dual carriageway being overtaken by one of these bikes.
“It is simply scary. It is now getting out of hand.”
Kirkcaldy East councillor Rod Cavanagh raised concerns about riders performing wheelies on a dual carriageway and travelling extremely close behind vehicles.
He asked what action police were taking to limit the risky behaviour.
Chief Inspector Chris Mill said police develop and analyse intelligence to establish where problems are occurring and at what times.
He said days of action had been carried out, often with support from partner agencies, while police also seek to educate people and encourage responsible use.
Kirkcaldy North councillor David Ross described e-bikes and scooters as a “real problem” and questioned whether changes in legislation could help tackle the issue.
A report to councillors said that while antisocial behaviour remained a significant area of demand for police in Kirkcaldy, the number of calls related to it fell in 2025/26 by 11 per cent.
“During the review period, local officers dealt with 3916 anti-social related calls including, public disturbances, neighbour disputes, hate crimes and noise nuisance,” it stated.
“This represents an 11 per cent reduction from the previous reporting period, after a 26 per cent reduction during the 2024-2025 period.
“This continues to evidence the positive steps taken in reducing anti-social behaviour. Tackling anti-social behaviour in the local areas remains a key priority.”