UPDATE: Ban On Scrambler Bikes In Public Spaces Agreed By Cabinet

Tánaiste, Wicklow TD Simon Harris called for an outright ban on scramblers from public roads and public spaces

UPDATE:  A total ban on Scramblers from roads and public places will take effect within weeks.

Cabinet agreed to implement a total ban on Scrambles this afternoon.

The legislation will be known as 'Grace's Law', following the death of teenager Grace Lynch in Dublin last month.
The new regulations will also strengthen the enforcement powers of Gardaí.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said banning scramblers in public places is necessary as such vehicles pose a significant danger to society and to road safety.

A ban on the use of scramblers in public places is being discussed by Cabinet. Minister Harris added in his conversation with media outlets on Wednesday morning that are the controversial vehicle is “being used to intimidate communities”.

It follows the tragic death of Grace Lynch in January. The 16-year-old died after being struck by a scrambler on the Ratoath road in Finglas.

A man appeared in court last week charged in connection with that incident.

Following public anger in the wake of her death, Taoiseach Micheál Martin signalled his intent to remove scrambler bikes from the roads.

Plans to bring other regulations in for the use of e-bikes and e-scooters are also on the cards, including mandatory use of helmets and high-visibility clothing.

The Wicklow TD says the vehicles pose a significant danger, noting the leading cause for child brain injury in Ireland was e-scooter use.

He admits the delay to introducing new laws isn't acceptable and that provisions formulated in 2023 to ban scramblers outright were not commenced.

Speaking this morning Minister Harris says:

 “We need to help the Gardaí in terms of more powers in terms of enforcements around that as well”.

 “This can’t be a case of someone having a scrambler seized for a few hours and “going back and asking kindly can they have it back."

@simon_harristd

Ban scramblers from public roads and public spaces and no child should be on an e-scooter - it’s now the leading cause of brain induced trauma in children. Taking urgent action on these 2 issues. Expect update from government in coming days #escooters #scramblers #ireland #safety #community

♬ original sound - Simon Harris