57 killed or seriously injured in scrambler crashes in five years, figures show

Almost 60 people have been killed or seriously injured in scrambler motorbike crashes since 2021, according to analysis of figures by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

In the last five years, three road users were killed and 54 seriously injured in crashes involving the vehicles, which are also known as dirtbikes.

There was one fatality in 2023 and two in 2025. Two of those killed were riding the scramblers, as were 40 of the 54 people seriously injured.

All of those riding the bikes were male, with the majority under the age of 25.

The others who were killed or seriously injured included nine pedestrians, two cyclists, two drivers and two passengers.

The RSA’s analysis is based on An Garda Siochana collision records for 2021-2025 and only covers crashes on public roads.

It revealed the majority of collisions happened in Dublin and it also found most of the collisions happened during the weekend and during daytime hours.

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said a total ban on scramblers in public places will be in place within a “matter of weeks”.

It will be known as “Grace’s law” after teenager Grace Lynch, who died following an incident involving a scrambler bike in Dublin on January 25.

There is already existing legislation banning the use of most scramblers in public places – and the dangerous driving of the vehicles anywhere.

However, Mr O’Brien said the new laws would allow for a total ban on scrambler use in public spaces and to strengthen the enforcement powers of gardai.

Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn said “continued delay on legislation is no longer defensible”.

He added: “These are not harmless nuisance incidents. These are life-changing injuries and deaths, and the victims are not confined to the people taking the risk.

“If pedestrians and cyclists are being seriously injured, then this is a public safety issue in the clearest sense.”