New regulations considered after three e-scooter deaths in 2025
New rules may be brought in for e-scooter users in Ireland as the Government is considering further legislation on the vehicles.Three people died in e-scooter accidents last year. Safety and visibility are thought to be the focus of potential new legislation.It is possible that the mandatory wearing of helmets and the wearing of high visibility clothing may be introduced. There is currently no law requiring e-scooter users to wear helmets or high-vis clothing, but the Road Safety Authority "strongly recommends" people to do so.It is understood that the Government will stop short of requiring e-scooters to be registered or for users to be licensed, according to The irish Times.Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State for Road Safety Seán Canney have said they want to strengthen the regulations around e-scooters. In 2024, e-scooters became legal on Irish roads and a number of rules governing their use were introduced.If you break the road rules or use an e-scooter dangerously, you can be fined.You can be prosecuted if your e-scooter is not kept in roadworthy condition.You cannot speed or use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.You must not ride the e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Riding under the influence can result in a court appearance and a fine of up to €2,000.You do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not have to be registered, taxed or insured. Your scooter must meet technical requirements, including a maximum weight of 25 kilos or less and a maximum speed of 20 km per hour or less.You must be 16 or over to use an e-scooter. If you are riding an e-scooter and you are under 16, the Gardaí can confiscate your e-scooter.Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time. The vehicle must have a CE mark and the retailer must give you a declaration of conformity when you buy it.Riders must have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes on their e-scooter and it must be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times, said the Road Safety Authority. Remaining visible and alert on the road is vital, so e-scooter users should wear high visibility clothing and they must not use or hold a mobile phone nor listen to music.E-scooters can be used on local, regional, and national roads. They cannot be used on motorways.E-scooters are banned on public transport. This ban applies to all National Transport Authority (NTA) services, including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Luas, and TFI Local Link.In 2025, South East Inner City rep Danny Byrne said: “Dublin’s streets are turning into dangerous playgrounds for reckless riders, and it is the most vulnerable, our children, our elderly, and ordinary pedestrians, who are paying the price."Fine Gael Dublin City Councillors said that "this is a ticking time bomb for public safety." A number of incidents involving e-scooters, the FG Group said, "underscore the urgency" of the situation."Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
