Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
123. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the additional measures his Department is considering to reduce serious injuries among children and teenagers arising from the use of e-scooters; whether any review is underway of the regulation of their importation, sale and use, with particular regard to products intended for or readily accessible to minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52841/26]
View answer126. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is currently taking with respect to the regulation of e-scooters, particularly in light of recent deaths and serious injuries caused by their dangerous use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52883/26]
View answer148. Deputy Daniel Ennis asked the Minister for Transport his plans to tackle a growing number of injuries received by children using e-scooters, given the news that six children have been placed on life support in the past two weeks in Children’s Health Ireland Temple Street hospital due to injuries they have sustained on e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53082/26]
View answer178. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport his Department's current assessment of the operation of the e-scooter regulations introduced in May 2024; the number of fixed charge notices issued since commencement, by offence type; whether his Department intends to review the 20km/h speed limit, the minimum age requirement, the prohibition on footpath use and passenger carriage, and the technical standards for compliant e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53678/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 126, 148 and 178 together.
It is over two years since the first regulations and it is appropriate to look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted to promote road safety. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and I met Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan on Tuesday 16 June to discuss potential measures, including requiring owners to register, insure and tax the vehicles. Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) on e-scooters and e-bikes will form part of any consideration.
Any proposals for updated regulations will be subject to Ministerial decision.
Enforcement of the legislation is, as for all road traffic law, under the remit of An Garda Síochána, who have the power to issue fixed charge notices and seize e-scooters operated by any person under the age of 16. Discussion are ongoing to restrict the availability of e-scooters to people under the age of 16 by including a provision in the upcoming Road Traffic Bill (similar to S.30 Road Traffic Act 2004).
