Troy welcomes introduction of new e-scooter measures

Local Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Robert Troy, has welcomed the Government's decision to introduce a series of new regulations aimed at improving e-scooter safety, saying they will provide greater protection for road users, pedestrians and members of An Garda Síochána.

Following a meeting of Government Ministers, it was agreed that from August helmets and high-visibility clothing will become mandatory for all e-scooter users, while the current ban on e-scooter use by children under 16 will be extended to everyone under the age of 18.

Later this year, legislation will be introduced to require e-scooters to be licensed and registered and to treat them in the same way as other mechanically propelled vehicles.

The legislation will also prohibit the sale of e-scooters to minors and prevent the sale of scooters that do not meet the legal requirements for use on public roads.

The Government also agreed to introduce stronger legal protections for members of An Garda Síochána when pursuing e-scooters and e-bikes, mirroring protections already in place in the UK.

"The number of e-scooters on our roads has increased dramatically in recent years, but unfortunately so to have the number of dangerous incidents and serious injuries.

"This year alone, more than 1,400 e-scooters have been seized by An Garda Síochána and almost 800 prosecutions have been brought.

“Many people use e-scooters responsibly, and they can play a role in how people travel. However, Children's Health Ireland has also reported a worrying increase in serious head injuries linked to e-scooter accidents, particularly among children and young people. That is why the Government has acted by introducing a range of new measures.

"These new measures are about protecting those users while ensuring there are consequences for those who use e-scooters dangerously or engage in criminal or antisocial behaviour.

"Mandatory helmets, licensing and registration, restrictions on sales, and stronger legal protections for Gardaí will improve safety and increase accountability.

"These regulations will only succeed if they are backed by strong enforcement and public awareness. That is how we will improve safety and better protect everyone who shares our roads and footpaths," Minister Troy said.