The rate of e-scooter collisions is soaring high. According to new Garda figures provided by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, the number of collisions involving e-scooters totals 25 from July 15th to the present.
The figures provided by Minister McEntee in a written Dáil response to Meath East deputy, Darren O’Rourke show that the 25 collisions is double the 12 total for the first six months of this year.
The figure is comparatively higher than the 22 collisions for the 12 months for 2019. Also there has been a rise in traffic offences concerning e-scooters in recent months.
The figures show that there have been 21 e-scooter traffic offences for the period from July 15th to the present and this compares to 25 for the first six months this year and 48 for 2019.
The first case of an e-scooter driver facing a charge of driving with no insurance was brought before a district court in Dublin last year.
Garda enforcement against e-scooters has also been increased. Minister confirmed that 54 e-scooters have been detained or seized since July 15th.
Director of Consumer Affairs with AA Roadwatch Ireland, Conor Faughnan stated that though e-scooter is an exciting technology for commuters there are a couple of fundamental problems with e-scooters which the Government is trying to sort out.
He pointed out the need to properly regulate e-scooters. He added that sometimes they appear to be advanced as a motorbike but other times they are just like toys with wheels which should not be allowed on roads.
Mr Faughnan stated that the safety of e-scooters will be prioritized when the national road safety plan comes up for review next year. Mr Faughnan – who has been cycling to work for the past 15 years – said that the increase in collisions is a concern, but this early data is a shape of things to come.
He also stated that If loads of people use e-scooters, there will be people falling off them as well.