John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am seeking clarity on when the legislation for the regulation of e-scooters is to be introduced. The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, announced that it would be introduced in the autumn of this year, but it is important to have that clarified as soon as possible. In most European countries, there is a lack of regulation of e-scooters and active travel and as a result this area has become a bit like the wild west, with companies setting up in capital cities and doing whatever they want in terms of bringing in e-scooters. I am an advocate of active travel and e-scooters. It is important we get the legislation right in Ireland to ensure there is a positive view of e-scooter use in this country. I attended the United Nations pre-conference on climate action in Rome, which is one of the cities in which there is no regulation of e-scooters and as a result there are e-scooters parked anywhere and everywhere on the streets, which causes a real issue for people with disabilities and people with visual impairment. It is a form of littler as well in that one is constantly dodging obstacles on the footpaths. We have to change people's mindset in regard to transport and to convince them that active travel is better than the car. For active travel to work, the system has to be as flawless as possible. We can ensure that it is flawless by providing in legislation that the tender process must make clear to e-scooter providers coming into this country that e-scooters can be parked only in designated areas, similar to Dublin Bikes. We must provide in law for designated parking for e-scooters and, also, that they must be well maintained, properly parked and not present any obstacles on our footpaths.