Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I would include e-scooters and e-bikes in that, along with cycling. I know the Deputy has had an interest in promoting legislation on e-scooters. We intend to regulate e-scooters. In that regard, a road traffic (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is being developed in my Department in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. That is due before the Dáil shortly. I hope to introduce an amendment on Committee Stage which would allow for secondary legislation to regulate e-scooters. I believe their use should be encouraged.

The Deputy has spoken about a whole new direction in transport, under which e-mobility will be promoted in a variety of different ways. First and foremost in any discussion of micromobility must be pedestrianisation. We have to create safe conditions for pedestrians. This will involve better footpaths, easier zebra crossings and a whole range of different measures. Micromobility also includes cycling and these new e-bikes. These are fantastic because they extend the range people can travel and make cycling easier for people with less ability or in different age groups. The technology is improving dramatically and the cost is coming down. I am, however, speaking about ordinary bikes as well.

There is a revolution taking place in transport which leads towards this type of transport system. We need to start shaping the rest of the transport system around it so that the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and students going to college on an e-scooter is prioritised. The heavier actors in transport have to take care if we are to create a safe environment for those mobile modes. I very much support the Deputy's comments. I give notice of our intention to regulate for e-scooters, an intention mentioned in the programme for Government.

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