Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
298. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department is considering introducing legislation to prohibit e-scooter users from wearing non-high-visibility clothing and to restrict the wearing of full-face coverings while operating an e-scooter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63569/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra299. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the existing rules and regulations surrounding the wearing of helmets and high-visibility clothing when operating an e-scooter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63570/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that although the wearing of helmets and high-visibility clothing is not statutory, it is highly recommended by both the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
A statutory obligation to wear reflective clothing or helmets would require making it a criminal offence under road traffic legislation not to do so. The e-scooter user would then be issued with a fixed charge notice or summonsed to court, depending on the procedure in place for such offences. This would place a substantial additional burden on the resources of both the Courts and of An Garda Síochána.
On this basis, it has long been the view of my Department that the wearing of reflective clothing and helmets, for e-scooters, pedal cycles and e-bikes, is best promoted by educational and publicity campaigns, rather than by a punitive approach.
The RSA, which has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness and dissemination of road safety information, frequently undertakes campaigns to promote awareness, among pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users, of the need for personal protective equipment and visibility on our roads. The safety benefits of reflective clothing and helmets are also set out in detail in the Rules of the Road Booklet.
