RSA Urges Public: “Think Before You Buy” – Do Not Gift E-Scooters, Quad Bikes or Scrambler Bikes to Children This Christmas

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a new safety campaign urging parents, guardians, family members and friends to think carefully before purchasing gifts for children under the age of 16 this Christmas. Specifically, the RSA is strongly advising against buying e-scooters, quad bikes or scrambler bikes for young people due to the significant safety risks associated with these vehicles.

With the Late Late Toy Show airing tomorrow evening, the RSA is reminding the public that powered vehicles are not toys. They pose real danger, particularly to children who lack the physical, cognitive and motor skills needed to operate them safely.

The new campaign has been developed in collaboration with Dr Irwin Gill, Consultant in Neurodisability at CHI at Temple Street Hospital.

Drawing on real clinical experiences, the campaign uses the voices of imaginary children who have suffered injuries after falling from an e-scooter, quad bike or scrambler. These messages, placed alongside simple imagery of the vehicles across outdoor, digital and social media channels, create a direct and human reminder of the risks these gifts can pose.

The central message is clear: before buying a powered vehicle for a child, pause and consider whether it is legal, safe and appropriate. A Christmas gift should bring joy - not endanger a child’s future.

This initiative follows a separate RSA–CHI advertising campaign launched in November, warning parents not to buy e-scooters for children under 16. E-scooters are now the leading cause of traumatic brain injury among children admitted to CHI at Temple Street, Ireland’s national neurosurgical centre.

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