{"id":252963,"date":"2025-12-26T21:19:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T21:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/252963\/"},"modified":"2025-12-26T21:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T21:19:12","slug":"parents-defend-dangerous-driving-of-e-scooters-and-scramblers-on-roads-says-local-representative-the-irish-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/252963\/","title":{"rendered":"Parents defend \u2018dangerous\u2019 driving of e-scooters and scramblers on roads, says local representative \u2013 The Irish News"},"content":{"rendered":"

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. <\/p>\n

Belfast Councillor<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n

\n

Imagine the gift you bought for your child at Christmas causing their death, or the death of someone else.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/tJ37dU8B8S<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Paul Doherty (@PaulDoherty___) December 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

E-scooters and scramblers<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n

\u201cImagine the gift you bought for your child at Christmas causing their death, or the death of someone else,\u201d Councillor Doherty said. <\/p>\n

\"Man<\/a>\"Minute’s<\/a><\/p>\n

He added: \u201cWhat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

A motion is before Belfast City Council looking at the \u201cpotential of a safe, properly maintained scrambler track to draw these bikes away from communities\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"NorthernE-scooters are a popular Christmas present for children <\/p>\n

Pilot schemes in schools and youth centres have led to a 90% decease in dangerous behaviour on the roads, he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut in place of that potential solution, parents must step in and stop this reckless riding,\u201d the west Belfast<\/a> SDLP representative said, adding that their use is really difficult to police. <\/p>\n

\u201cMany 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,\u201d Mr Doherty said.<\/p>\n

He shared a video on social media of three young people driving e-scooters in the middle of the Falls Road on Christmas Morning. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is shocking. Travelling at these speeds could be fatal for a pedestrian and for the rider too,\u201d the councillor said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlongside 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.\u201d<\/p>\n