Emer Currie
Ceist:262. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering proposals regarding e-scooters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67214/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 27 November 2025
Ceisteanna (262)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to inform the Deputy that, although the wearing of helmets is not a statutory requirement, it is strongly recommended by both the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Introducing a statutory obligation to wear helmets would mean creating a criminal offence under road traffic legislation for failing to do so. In such cases, an e-scooter user could be issued with a fixed charge notice or summoned to court, depending on the procedure in place. This would place a significant additional burden on the resources of both the Courts and An Garda Síochána.
On this basis, it is the view of my Department that the wearing of helmets, for e-scooters, is best promoted by educational and publicity campaigns rather than through punitive measures.
Unlike mechanically propelled vehicles, PPTs do not require registration, motor tax, motor insurance, or a driver’s licence. The objective of legislation on e-scooters is to support the uptake of micro-mobility vehicles while ensuring that requirements associated with mechanically propelled vehicles do not act as a disincentive.
The operation of the legislation, through enforcement, is, as for all road traffic law, under the remit of An Garda Síochána. My officials meet regularly with An Garda Siochana to discuss matters related to road traffic legislation. As with any legislation, I will consider feedback on its operation from An Garda Siochana and other stakeholders and I will act if it is clear that road safety improvements can be made.