Parents issued warning over gifting e-scooters, scramblers and quad bikes to kids this Christmas

Parents are being urged not to buy their children three particular items for Christmas ahead of Black Friday and the Late Late Toy Show.

The Road Safety Authority is strongly advising consumers against purchasing e-scooters, scramblers, or quad bikes for children this Christmas as the shopping buzz begins.

In recent years, these vehicles have become popular presents for children for Christmas, however they pose significant safety risks.

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As part of new laws introduced in May of this year, you must be at least 16 years old to legally use an e-scooter in Ireland. They’re also banned from footpaths and users are not allowed to carry passengers.

The RSA also wants to remind parents that quad bikes and scramblers can also be dangerous for children to use. The organisation is urging parents to avoid gifting these vehicles to ensure the safety and well-being of young people during the holiday season.

Casualty figures show that between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023, 49 people were seriously injured in collisions involving a quad bike or scrambler on a public road. In the same period, there were three fatalities involving quad bikes or scramblers on public roads.

Meanwhile, further statistics show that four e-scooter riders were killed and 117 seriously injured on Irish roads between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023. During the same period, 1 other road user was killed and 20 more seriously injured in collisions involving e-scooters.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, explained: "The greatest gift parents can give this year is ensuring the safety of their children. Parents should not consider purchasing a quad or an e-scooter for any child this Christmas.

"It is crucial for parents and members of the public to be recognise that quads and e-scooters are designed to be operated by those of an age to fully understand the dangers they pose when not being used appropriately and/or on uneven terrain."