Gardaí lay down the law to Irish parents after seizing 'powerful' e-scrambler from youths
Powerful bikes "pose a serious safety hazard" and are subject to tax, insurance and licence rules
Irish parents are being urged to keep children off "powerful" e-scrambler bikes after gardaí seized one being ridden dangerously over the weekend.
Officers in Duleek, Co. Meath spotted two youths, both under 16, riding the electric bike along public roads and footpaths, with the passenger not wearing a helmet.
Highlighting the dangers in a post on Facebook, gardaí said: "These powerful bikes have the potential to cause severe or fatal injury and children using one poses a serious safety hazard.
"Not everyone may realise that when used in a public space or on a public road, these bikes are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles," gardaí added.
They went on to clarify the legal obligations for e-bike and e-scooter users in Ireland.
"They must be registered, taxed, insured and in good road-worthy condition, and the driver must have a driving licence."
The warning comes amid growing concern over e-bikes and scooters being used illegally and without proper safety gear.
Gardaí say parents should be aware of both the legal risks and the physical dangers that these high-powered bikes pose to riders.