Parents have defended the actions of children using e-scooters and scrambler bikes on the roads and other public spaces, a local representative said amid fresh safety concerns over the vehicles.

Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty, the deputy Lord Mayor, is calling again for a safe, dedicated site for children to enjoy riding the vehicles, with individuals on hand to provide expert advice and guidance on their use.

E-scooters and scramblers are largely restricted to off- road use only, but there are multiple new post-Christmas reports of them being driven dangerously by young people on the roads, parks and other green spaces.

“Imagine the gift you bought for your child at Christmas causing their death, or the death of someone else,” Councillor Doherty said.

He added: “What is even more worrying over the last 24 hours is seeing parents defend the actions of their children while green spaces are being torn up and passers-by almost knocked down. That is not acceptable.”

A motion is before Belfast City Council looking at the “potential of a safe, properly maintained scrambler track to draw these bikes away from communities”.

Northern Ireland is at risk on falling behind in the use of sustainable forms of transportE-scooters are a popular Christmas present for children

Pilot schemes in schools and youth centres have led to a 90% decease in dangerous behaviour on the roads, he said.

“But in place of that potential solution, parents must step in and stop this reckless riding,” the west Belfast SDLP representative said, adding that their use is really difficult to police.

“Many of these high-powered e-bikes are not legal for use on roads, pavements or in parks, yet we are seeing them ridden at dangerous speeds through our communities,” Mr Doherty said.

He shared a video on social media of three young people driving e-scooters in the middle of the Falls Road on Christmas Morning.

“It is shocking. Travelling at these speeds could be fatal for a pedestrian and for the rider too,” the councillor said.

“Alongside my current action on illegal scramblers, I will be pressing for greater focus and coordinated action on these bikes, working with police, council and community partners, before a life is lost.”