Government set to introduce scrambler ban in coming weeks

The Government looks set to introduce a ban on scramblers in public spaces, as well as bring in further stricter measures on e-bikes and e-scooters. The new measures are due to come into effect in the coming weeks.

​This follows a meeting convened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and attended by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.

​In the Dáil, Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh called on the Taoiseach to introduce a 30-day amnesty and refund scheme that would allow people to surrender their scramblers and quad bikes.

​This proposal was made following the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch, who sadly died after being hit by a scrambler in Finglas on Sunday.

​Catherine said: “The antisocial and dangerous use of scrambler bikes and quad bikes is nothing new.

​“What communities see, what garda representatives themselves acknowledge, and what is happening on the ground, is that there is uncertainty around the circumstances in which scramblers can be compulsorily seized, how ownership is established where bikes are unregistered and uninsured, and what happens to seized vehicles where no lawful ownership can be ultimately demonstrated.

​“That lack of clarity seriously undermines the deterrent effect the legislation is intended to have.

​“I ask that it consider a 30-day amnesty surrender and a possible refund scheme to those who own scrambler or quad bikes, and also that An Garda Síochána is given enhanced powers after this amnesty.”

​Taoiseach Micheál Martin did not comment on the proposal, but he acknowledged that the Road Traffic Act 2023 allowed for the banning of scramblers and quad bikes from public roads, admitting that it is “going to happen”.