Ireland Implements Total Ban on E-Scooters for Minors to Reduce Injuries
Dublin, Ireland: Ireland has officially enacted a ban on the use of electric scooters in all public spaces by persons under the age of 18. This new regulation, designed to curb dangerous usage and prevent serious injuries, particularly among young people, came into effect on the second day of this month.
This move comes approximately four weeks after separate safety laws were introduced, which mandated that all E-scooter riders wear helmets and high-visibility clothing while on public roads. The government has taken this more restrictive step as concerns continue to grow regarding incidents and accidents, especially those involving children and teenagers. Meanwhile, there have been increasing calls for further measures, such as E-scooter registration and giving more powers to the Garda (the Irish police) to effectively enforce these rules.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Minister of State for Transport, Seán Canney, revealed yesterday that Gardaí have recorded 793 incidents related to E-scooters and seized 1,412 scooters so far this year. Minister Canney also confirmed that the government is preparing legislation to legally redefine E-scooters as "mechanically propelled vehicles," a shift that will ultimately require all E-scooters to be registered with a known owner. He urged parents to change their perspective, stating, "An E-scooter is not a toy."
Under the newly enforced rules, E-scooter riders must be at least 18 years old, must wear a helmet and high-visibility gear, and adhere to a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h. Furthermore, riding on pavements is strictly forbidden, and carrying passengers is prohibited. The previous minimum age for E-scooter use was 16.
