Quad bikes 'lethal' for children

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Parents have been warned of the dangers of buying quads or mini-motos for their children at Christmas.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Tom Elliott said such "must have" toys could pose a risk to lives.

A number of children have been killed on these machines in recent years. Only those over 16 with a licence and insurance can use them on the road.

Mr Elliot said: "These are not toys but can be a lethal Christmas present which could end in a family tragedy.

"These machines... might seem like a bit of fun, they are in fact powerful machines, which can kill or seriously injure the children who use them.

"The bikes, which are powered by an electric motor or an engine, are, in law, lightweight powered motor vehicles and they can be extremely powerful for their size and are capable of travelling at speeds up to 60 mph.

"It is incredible that children younger than two or three years have been involved in very serious incidents on such vehicles."

Private property

Three years ago, a seven-year-old County Antrim girl was killed after a quad bike she was riding crashed into a wall.

A police spokeswoman reiterated the dangers of motorised vehicles such as scramblers and quads - and stressed the need to take proper precautions.

She said quads, Go-Ped scooters and some scramblers do not comply with construction and use regulations and vehicle safety standards and are restricted to off-road use only.

"They are not toys and should still be treated as a motor vehicle and suitable safety equipment such as a helmet should be worn," she said.

"These vehicles should only be used on private property where you have permission and should not be used on pavements, roads, public property or parks."

She said if the vehicle was used on the road, it should be registered with the DVLNI, display a number plate and a Vehicle Excise License, have lamps, reflectors, rear marking and devices fitted and would need to fulfil all the requirements under the motor vehicles regulations.