Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Erin McGreehan has said the new suite of e-scooter regulations coming into force from Friday will help create a safer environment for e-scooter users and pedestrians and improve safety on our roads and streets.
From Friday, anyone using an e-scooter in Ireland will be required to wear a helmet and high visibility clothing as part of a wider package of road safety measures approved by Government in July.
Further measures will be introduced in the coming weeks and months as the necessary legislative, administrative and technical changes are completed:
- Fees for detention and storage of seized e-scooters will be doubled, rising to €80 for detention and the first day of storage and €30 for each additional day or storage. This will take effect from 2nd October.
- The minimum age for an e-scooter user will be increased from 16 to 18 years. Following legal advice from the Attorney General’s office, this measure has been submitted to the EU Commission as part of the EU TRIS (Technical Regulation Information System) process. This process takes up to 12 weeks, and it is intended that these regulations will be introduced before the end of the year.
- Charges for Fixed Charge Notices will be increased to €100 for e-scooter offences. Regulations for this change will be brought forward in the coming weeks.
- A Fixed Charge Notice offence for not wearing a helmet or high-visibility clothing while using an e-scooter will be introduced at same time at the new rate of €100.
Commenting on the changes, Deputy McGreehan said:
“Technology is changing rapidly and so too is the way we travel. E-scooters offer a huge opportunity for more efficient, convenient and cleaner travel, but like all emerging technologies, there are challenges and dangers. That is why Government is acting to ensure e-scooters are used in a safe and responsible manner.
“More than 1,000 children have attended emergency departments with e-scooter related injuries since 2021. That is a worrying figure and demonstrates why stronger safety measures are needed.
“These rules are designed to reduce the risk of serious injuries and make our roads and streets safer for everyone, whether they are using an e-scooter, walking or using another form of transport.
“E-scooters can play an important role in how people get around our towns and cities, but their benefits have to be balanced with the safety of users and pedestrians. These regulations will strengthen safety on our roads while ensuring the benefits of e-scooters can be realised in a safe and responsible way.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
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