The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a timely warning to parents and gift-givers: think twice before buying an electric scooter (e-scooter) for a child this Christmas. While these devices can look like fun presents, they bring a mix of legal, safety and insurance issues — especially on Irish roads, where wet weather and busy town centres increase the risk.
Why the RSA is concerned
The RSA emphasises that most e-scooters are not legal to use on public roads or footpaths in Ireland unless they have specific authorisation. That means using these devices on the street, cycle lanes, or pavements can expose children — and the adults responsible for them — to fines, liability and potentially serious injury. E-scooters are powered vehicles and can reach speeds that many children are not ready to control, and in low light or wet conditions the stopping distances and stability can be much worse.
Beyond the legal side, there are clear safety concerns: many models have limited lights and poor braking on slippery surfaces, and young riders may lack the balance, judgement and experience needed to ride safely in traffic. The RSA’s reminder is a nudge to think about where any new vehicle will be used, how it will be supervised, and whether it’s appropriate for the child’s age and skill.
What parents should consider before buying
If you’re tempted to wrap up an e-scooter for a child, take a few moments to weigh the practicalities:
- Is it legal where they’ll be riding? In most cases, e-scooters cannot be used on public roads or footpaths unless authorised. They are often classified as mechanically propelled vehicles under Irish law.
- Where will it be used? Private land with permission is the safest option. Riding on busy local roads, in town centres or on damp country lanes is risky — especially in winter.
- Can the child control the speed? Some e-scooters have high top speeds. If you do consider one, pick a model with a reliable speed limiter and a clear off switch.
- Is there proper protection and supervision? Helmets and protective gear reduce risk but don’t remove legal restrictions or safety hazards. Young children should be supervised at all times.
Safer alternatives
For younger children, consider pedal bikes, balance bikes, or non-motorised scooters designed for pavements. These give great mobility and help develop balance and road awareness without the same legal complications. For older teens, a quality bicycle with lights and reflective gear, or lessons in local cycle safety, can be a more sensible gift.
Advice for learner drivers encountering e-scooters
As learner drivers on Irish roads, you may well come across e-scooters, especially in towns, near parks and around schools. Even if the device is being used illegally, encountering one safely is part of practical driving. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe:
- Slow down and give plenty of space — e-scooters can be unstable and stop or swerve suddenly.
- Anticipate unpredictable movements, particularly near junctions, driveways or narrow streets.
- Reduce speed in wet or icy conditions common in Irish winters — braking distances increase significantly.
- Watch for low visibility times: dusk and rainy days make small riders harder to see. Use dipped headlights where appropriate.
- Be patient in built-up areas: a calm approach reduces stress for both you and the vulnerable road user.
- Adjust mirrors and scan frequently — scooters can appear quickly from between parked cars or from footpaths.
Practical steps for parents and guardians
If you already have an e-scooter at home or are considering one, take practical steps to manage risk:
- Keep scooters on private property if possible, and never allow usage on public footpaths or roads where it’s prohibited.
- Buy a model with good brakes, lights and a clear speed-limiter or beginner mode.
- Fit and insist on helmets and reflective clothing, especially for short winter days and poor weather.
- Teach children about visibility and defensive riding — assume other road users may not see them.
- Check insurance and liability: many household policies won’t cover unauthorised use on public highways.
Local context — Irish roads and winter weather
On Irish roads, conditions change fast. Rain, spray from other vehicles and fallen leaves can make surfaces slippery. In towns from Dublin to Cork, and in rural lanes alike, visibility in the late afternoons can drop suddenly. That’s why the RSA’s warning is particularly relevant at Christmas: short winter days and busy streets create a higher risk environment for inexperienced riders.
When choosing gifts, think about long-term use and safety. A present that encourages outdoor activity is great — but it should help build skills safely, not create new hazards.
Conclusion
The RSA’s Christmas warning is a reminder to prioritise safety and legality when buying mobility gifts for children. E-scooters may seem fun, but they bring responsibilities and risks that are easy to underestimate. For parents and learner drivers alike, awareness, cautious behaviour and sensible choices will make our roads safer for everyone this festive season.
Source – RSA warning against buying children e-scooters as presents for Christmas