RSA Publishes Analysis of Fatalities and Serious Injuries Involving Scramblers, 2021–2025

RSA Publishes Analysis of Fatalities and Serious Injuries Involving Scramblers, 2021–2025

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today published a detailed analysis of fatalities and serious injuries arising from collisions involving scramblers on public roads between 2021 and 2025. The findings highlight a clear and concerning road safety issue associated with scrambler use, particularly in Dublin and at weekends.

The analysis is based on collision records transferred from An Garda Síochána to the RSA collision database and relates to incidents on public roads only. Data for 2022 onwards remains provisional and subject to change.

Key Findings:

• Three fatalities and 54 serious injuries occurred in collisions involving at least one scrambler — a total of 57 killed and seriously injured road users.
• Of these, 42 were scrambler users (two fatalities and 40 serious injuries).
• All 42 scrambler users were male.
• 31 of the 42 scrambler users were aged 25 years or younger.
• 31 of the 42 scrambler users were injured in Dublin, four in Cork and three in Limerick.
• 25 of the 42 scrambler users were involved in weekend collisions.
• Among the 15 other road users injured in collisions with scramblers:
• One fatality and 14 serious injuries were recorded.
• Nine were pedestrians, two were pedal cyclists, two were drivers and two were passengers.

The data indicates that young males are more likely to be involved in scrambler-related collisions, with Dublin and weekend periods showing elevated risk patterns. Pedestrians represent the largest group of non-scrambler road users seriously injured in such incidents.

RSA Director Michael Rowland said: “This analysis demonstrates a persistent and serious road safety risk associated with the use of scramblers on public roads. The profile is clear — young men are most at risk, incidents are concentrated in Dublin, and many occur at weekends.

“Scramblers are designed for off-road use, and when used inappropriately on public roads they pose a danger not only to the rider but to other vulnerable road users. The RSA will continue to support enforcement and legislative measures aimed at addressing this issue.”

It is anticipated that new legislative measures, including the forthcoming ban on scramblers in public places under “Grace’s Law”, will further strengthen enforcement options.

Notes

Scramblers are primarily designed for off-road use across rough terrain or in motocross sport. Where they are used on public roads, they must comply with Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 concerning the type approval of two- or three-wheel vehicles. This regulation requires that vehicles meet minimum technical and environmental standards, including:

• Appropriate lighting, mirrors, indicators and horn
• Road-compliant tyres
• Noise emission limits
• Environmental performance standards

Scramblers intended solely for off-road use often have specialised tyres designed for clay or sand surfaces, which are not suitable for public roads.

When used on public roads, scramblers are classified as mechanically propelled vehicles. They must therefore be:

• Registered
• Taxed
• Insured
• Driven by a person holding the appropriate driving licence

Minimum age requirements apply:

• 16 years for low-powered motorcycles or mopeds
• Between 18 and 24 years for more powerful motorcycles, depending on engine power