Written answers
Thursday, 25 September 2025
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Road Safety
Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work his Department is undertaking to address the dangers associated with the use of e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50956/25]
Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that legislation for e-scooters, the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024) (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print), came into force in May 2024.
A legislative framework to provide for the safety of vulnerable road users is a vital part of the Government's approach to road safety. These Regulations (www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print) provide for technical standards and conditions for safe e-scooter use. E-scooters used on public roads must:
- have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 watts or less
- have a maximum net weight of 25 kilograms (including batteries)
- have a maximum design speed of 20 kilometres per hour or less
- have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200 millimetres
- be fitted with front and rear lights and reflectors, brakes and a bell
- be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed
- not have a seat
- not carry more than one person
- not be used for the carriage of goods
As for bicycles, e-scooter users are required to obey the rules of the road. In addition, the minimum age to use an e-scooter on a public road is sixteen.
Wearing of helmets and protective/hi-vis gear while operating e-scooters and e-bikes on public roads, in line with bicycles, is not mandatory. However, the use of such safety equipment is strongly encouraged by both the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority, the agency responsible for public road safety education and awareness.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have launched an educational campaign to inform the public of the e-scooter regulations and of safe e-scooter use on Irish roads: www.rsa.ie/road-safety/campaigns/e-scooters.
Enforcement of road traffic legislation, including these Regulations, is a matter for An Garda Siochana.
All usage requirements for e-scooters may be found on www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/5e95b-e-bikes-e-mopeds-and-e-scooters/.
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