Dublin: The government is set to introduce stricter regulations for e-scooters following growing concerns over road safety and a sharp rise in injuries among children. The proposed legislation, due to be considered by Cabinet next week, will introduce a range of new safety measures, including an age restriction of 18 years, mandatory registration, and requirements for riders to wear helmets and high-visibility clothing.
The move follows a Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) report highlighting a significant increase in serious injuries involving children using e-scooters.
Government responds to growing safety concerns
A high-level meeting on the issue was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, Junior Transport Minister Seán Canney, and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
The government concluded that stronger regulations are needed to protect children and improve road safety following an increase in e-scooter-related incidents.
While the meeting discussed tougher enforcement measures, no proposal was made to introduce fines for parents whose children illegally use e-scooters.
More Garda enforcement
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said enforcement activity has increased significantly this year.
According to Garda figures:
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1,412 e-scooters have been seized so far this year.
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793 prosecutions have been initiated for offences involving e-scooters.
The Taoiseach also confirmed that legislation will be introduced to provide additional legal protections for Gardaí involved in pursuing offenders.
E-scooters to be classified as mechanically propelled vehicles
Under the proposed legislation, expected to come into force by the end of 2026, e-scooters will be classified as mechanically propelled vehicles.
The new rules will:
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Ban the sale of e-scooters to anyone under 18.
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Prohibit minors from riding e-scooters on public roads.
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Ban the sale of e-scooters that do not comply with legal safety standards.
Junior Minister Seán Canney said e-scooters would be regulated in a manner similar to mopeds. However, details regarding licensing requirements have yet to be finalised.
Registration, helmets and high-visibility clothing
The government is also considering making the following mandatory:
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Registration of e-scooters.
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Approved safety helmets.
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High-visibility clothing for riders.
Minister Canney said the rapid increase in serious accidents requires urgent legislative action.
He added that while mandatory helmet use is currently being considered specifically for e-scooter users, the government will monitor its effectiveness before deciding whether similar measures should be extended to cyclists.
Cycling groups criticise proposals
Cycling organisations have expressed concern over the proposed regulations.
Cycling Ireland President and former minister Ciarán Cannon said that although helmets and high-visibility clothing are sensible safety measures, making them compulsory could divert attention from the real causes of road collisions.
He argued that the greatest risks facing cyclists and e-scooter users are:
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Excessive vehicle speeds.
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High traffic volumes.
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Poor road design.
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Dangerous overtaking.
According to Cannon, helmets cannot prevent collisions, and high-visibility clothing alone cannot address unsafe road infrastructure. He also warned that discouraging cycling and e-scooter use could lead to increased car dependency, potentially resulting in more road accidents overall.
CHI reports sharp rise in child injuries
Children’s Health Ireland has reported a 50% increase in traumatic brain injuries among children linked to e-scooter accidents over the past year.
The hospital group estimates that one to two children are admitted to hospital every day during the summer following e-scooter-related injuries.
According to CHI, more than one-third of all paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in 2026 have been associated with e-scooter accidents.
Government opts for regulation instead of outright ban
Last week, the Taoiseach indicated in the Dáil that a complete ban on e-scooters had been considered.
However, the government ultimately decided against an outright prohibition, concluding that e-scooters remain a legitimate mode of transport for many commuters. Instead, it opted for stricter regulation aimed at improving safety while allowing responsible use.
How other countries regulate e-scooters
Several European countries have already adopted strict approaches to e-scooter regulation:
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The Netherlands has effectively banned privately operated e-scooters from public roads.
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The United Kingdom prohibits the private use of e-scooters on public roads, although approved rental e-scooter schemes continue to operate in selected areas.
The Irish Government believes its proposed regulations strike a balance between improving road safety and allowing e-scooters to remain a viable form of personal transport.
Irish Samachar English