Dear Editor,

The recent upswing in criminal activities, shootings, and motorcycle accidents in Jamaica necessitates immediate regulatory action, especially concerning electric motorcycles and the allowance of pillion riders. Advocates, including dacehall artiste Mr Vegas and The Jamaican Bar Association (JamBar), propose making pillion riders illegal to counter the potential crime surge facilitated by these vehicles.

This proposal aligns with legal experts’ concerns, emphasising the necessity for stricter motorcycle regulations to combat criminal activities, particularly drive-by shootings and robberies. Examining the motorcycle-related incidents in Westmoreland underscores the vulnerability of the current situation, prompting discussions on the associated risks with electric motorcycles in criminal activities.

The impending introduction of electric motorcycles by Tropical Battery for testing in the electric vehicle (EV) market raises concerns about crime rates once silent electric motorcycles become widespread. These vehicles, equipped with batteries, introduce potential danger as they could serve as detonators for incendiary devices and bombs, and electronic jamming devices, empowering criminals to threaten both individuals and critical infrastructure.

Moreover, the integration of portable batteries with internet-connected laptops opens avenues for criminal exploitation, including signal hacking, wardriving, and financial crimes, like stealing debit and credit card information. To address these concerns, rigorous registration and regulation of electric motorcycles are imperative, and considering the risks associated with pillion riders, it may be necessary to make their inclusion on all motorcycles illegal.

Urgent regulation of electric motorcycles and the prohibition of pillion riders is crucial given the escalating criminal activities and crashes involving motorcycles in Jamaica. Stringent measures are necessary to ensure the responsible adoption of electric motorcycles, prioritise public safety, and prevent potential misuse by criminals.

Lindsworth Deer

lindsworthdeer@outlook.com