RSA: Three Killed and 54 Seriously Injured in Scrambler Collisions Since 2021

New figures from the Road Safety Authority show that scramblers have been involved in collisions leaving 57 road users killed or seriously injured over the past five years, with young men and pedestrians bearing the greatest toll.

The RSA has published an analysis of fatal and serious injury collisions involving scramblers on public roads between 2021 and 2025. The data is drawn from collision records transferred from An Garda Síochána to the RSA collision database, and covers public roads only. Figures from 2022 onwards remain provisional and subject to change.

Over the five-year period, three road users were killed and 54 were seriously injured in collisions where at least one scrambler was involved, a combined total of 57 killed and seriously injured (KSI) road users.

Of those, 42 were scrambler users themselves, with two fatalities and 40 serious injuries recorded. All 42 were male, and 31 were aged 25 or younger.

Dublin accounted for the majority of incidents, with 31 of the 42 scrambler user KSIs recorded there. Cork recorded four, Limerick three, and Clare, Kerry, Roscommon and Westmeath one each.

Weekend periods emerged as a particular risk window, with 25 of the 42 scrambler users involved in collisions occurring between Friday and Sunday. Thirty were injured between 11am and 6pm, with a further 12 incidents occurring between 6pm and midnight.

The remaining 15 KSIs were other road users caught up in collisions involving scramblers. Nine of those were pedestrians, two were pedal cyclists, two were drivers and two were passengers. One was fatally injured and 14 sustained serious injuries.

RSA Director Michael Rowland:

"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."

New legislative measures, including a forthcoming ban on scramblers in public places under "Grace's Law", are anticipated to further strengthen enforcement options.

The RSA notes that scramblers used on public roads are classified as mechanically propelled vehicles and must be registered, taxed, insured and driven by a person holding the appropriate licence. Minimum age requirements apply: 16 years for low-powered motorcycles or mopeds, and between 18 and 24 years for more powerful motorcycles depending on engine power.