Ireland to Introduce Stricter E-Scooter Rules with Higher Age Limit and Mandatory Helmet Use
Dublin: Ireland is set to introduce tougher regulations for e-scooter users, including raising the minimum riding age and making helmets compulsory. The new measures, expected to come into effect next month, are aimed at improving road safety following a sharp rise in serious injuries linked to e-scooter accidents.
Under the new rules, the minimum age for riding an e-scooter will increase from 16 to 18 years. Riders will also be required to wear helmets and high-visibility clothing while using e-scooters on public roads.
Further Regulations Planned
The Department of Transport is also preparing additional legislation that will introduce licensing, registration and insurance requirements for e-scooters.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said the measures are being introduced in response to growing safety concerns. He noted that 64% of head injuries associated with e-scooter accidents involve serious trauma, while 93% of children injured in such incidents were not wearing helmets.
The minister stressed that parents also have a responsibility and urged families not to purchase e-scooters for children who are below the proposed legal age.
Minister O’Brien confirmed that legislation introducing a licensing system for e-scooters will be brought forward before the end of the year.
A registration system is also planned to improve oversight of e-scooter ownership and sales. Details of the proposed insurance requirements are expected to be published in September, with the government set to outline the framework in the coming weeks.
Junior Minister for Road Safety Sean Kenny said the Government is working closely with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to develop the new licensing and insurance arrangements.
Both ministers emphasised that while the government is committed to improving public safety, it also intends to ensure that the new regulations do not place an unnecessary burden on responsible e-scooter users.
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