Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
160. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department is considering the introduction of a mandatory helmet requirement for users of electric scooters; whether any assessment has been carried out regarding the potential road safety benefits of such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44733/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that the Programme for Government 2020 made a commitment to legislating for e-bikes and e-scooters. This was a policy priority for this Government and, since May 2024, e-scooters which are compliant with the regulations made under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 are legal to use in public places.
A comprehensive suite of regulations governs the safe use of e-scooters in public places, as below:
The Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print) provides for technical standards and conditions for safe use, including a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h.
The Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 2024 (SI 200 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/200/made/en/print) provides that signs for bicycle use will also apply to e-scooters.
The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (SI 222 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/222/made/en/print) provides for traffic rules, including forbidding use on motorways, footpaths and pedestrianised areas.
The Road Traffic (Use of Powered Personal Transporters) Regulations 2024 (SI 224 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/224/made/en/print) provides that other types of PPT, and e-scooters which do not comply with the regulations, will remain illegal to use in public places.
The Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Powered Personal Transporters) Regulations 2024 (SI 223 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/223/) gives An Garda Síochána powers to seize and detain non-compliant e-scooters or other types of PPT.
The Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2024 (SI 227 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/227/made/en/) provides for fixed charge penalties of €50 for certain e-scooter offences.
The first regulations to allow for the legal use of certain e-scooters and e-bikes were introduced in May 2024. It is appropriate, therefore, to look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted to promote road safety.
Proposals for updated regulations on e-scooters and e-bikes are being developed and will be subject to Ministerial decision. Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) on e-scooters and e-bikes will form part of any consideration. The introduction of mandatory PPE for users of pedal bicycles is outside the scope of the current review.
