At CRASH Services, our mission is simple: “To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.” That care goes beyond helping motorists after a collision, it extends to supporting road safety initiatives across Northern Ireland that keep our communities safe.
🚨 Parents and Guardians: Please Think Before Buying an E-Scooter
An e-scooter might top your child’s Christmas wish list this year, but young people across Northern Ireland are suffering serious injuries while riding them. What seems like an exciting, modern gift can quickly lead to devastating consequences for a child and their family.
Alongside our partners at Road Safe NI Charity, we are urging parents across Northern Ireland to carefully consider the risks before making a purchase. E-scooters are motorised vehicles, and riders have very little protection in the event of a fall or collision. Furthermore, pedestrians—particularly vulnerable road users—are also at significant risk of injury.
Know the Rules in Northern Ireland
There is widespread confusion regarding where e-scooters can legally be used. Please keep the following legal facts in mind:
- ❌ No riding on public roads
- ❌ No riding on pavements or public footpaths
- ❌ No riding in cycle lanes
- ✅ Private land only, with the landowner’s express permission
Davy Jackson, Chair of Road Safe NI Charity, commented:
“ Most e-scooters, scramblers, go-peds, buzz bo, quads, and mini-motos do not comply with legal construction and vehicle safety standards. To be legally ridden on any public road in Northern Ireland, a vehicle must meet strict legal criteria”.
Under the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1999, the law states:
- Licensing: The rider must hold a valid driving licence from age 16 (minimum Category AM).
- Insurance: Must have at least third-party motor insurance specifically for road use.
- Registration: Must be registered with DVA / DVLNI and display an official number plate.
- Tax: Must have a valid Vehicle Excise Licence.
- Equipment: Must have obligatory lamps, reflectors, and rear markings fitted.
- Safety Gear: Approved protective helmets are mandatory in many cases (and strongly recommended in all situations).
Riding an illegal or uncompliant vehicle in public places—including everyday journeys to school, local shops, or a friend’s house—can result in police warnings, prosecution, fines, and vehicle seizure.
For full legal guidelines and safety advice, read the official guidance on E-scooter, Scrambler and Quad Safety from the PSNI.
It is also worth noting that wearing a helmet, while sensible for personal safety, does not make public use legal—nor can it completely eliminate the risk of severe injury.
Choose a Safer Gift This Christmas
Davy Jackson, summarised: “Your child’s safety is worth far more than a surprise under the tree. Before buying an e-scooter, talk to other parents and consider safer alternatives. A brief conversation today could prevent a lifetime of regret”.
Every journey matters. Every choice matters.
About CRASH Services
CRASH Services has been helping motorists across Northern Ireland since 1996. If you’ve been involved in a road accident, our experienced team can take care of everything from vehicle recovery and repairs to replacement vehicles and dealing with insurers.
With a trusted network of 150+ local repairers and support available across Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry, Dungannon and throughout Northern Ireland, we’re here to make the aftermath of an accident as straightforward as possible.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, our accident management service is provided at no cost to you, with costs recovered from the at-fault insurer.
Need help after an accident?
📞 Call CRASH Services on 028 9066 0244 for free expert advice.
About Road Safe NI
Road Safe NI Charity is a Northern Ireland road safety charity dedicated to promoting safer roads and protecting vulnerable road users. Through local committees, campaigns, education programmes and road safety resources, the charity works to raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
The charity also organises the annual Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards, recognising individuals, schools, businesses, emergency services and organisations making a positive contribution to road safety across Northern Ireland.
CRASH Services is the headline sponsor of the 2026 Northern Ireland Road Safety Awards, supporting Road Safe NI Charity in recognising and promoting those working to make Northern Ireland’s roads safer.
