Ban on use of e-scooters by under 18s comes into force

A ban on the use of e-scooters by individuals under the age of 18 has come into effect today, following the introduction of new regulations just four weeks ago. These regulations require e-scooter users to wear helmets and high visibility clothing, but compliance with these measures appears to be low.

The minimum age for e-scooter use was previously set at 16, but has now been increased to 18, making it illegal for children to use e-scooters. Fees for the detention and storage of seized e-scooters have also doubled, starting at €80 and increasing by an additional €30 per day thereafter.

These new rules were implemented after doctors at CHI Temple Street raised concerns about the high number of critically injured children admitted to their Emergency Department due to e-scooter-related accidents. In just one fortnight during early July, six children were placed on life support due to their e-scooter injuries, prompting the doctors to describe the situation as an epidemic.

Almost half of the hospital's ICU capacity was occupied by children with traumatic brain injuries from e-scooter accidents, leading them to call on the government to take action.

The Department of Transport had initially anticipated a delay in implementing the ban on e-scooters for under-18s due to EU rules. However, they were informed that Europe had effectively waived these rules, allowing for the ban to come into force today. This comes four weeks after the introduction of the mandatory high visibility clothing and helmet regulations for e-scooter users. At present, it is too early to provide accurate figures on compliance with these new regulations.

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has noted instances of non-compliance with the new rules, emphasizing the importance of people adhering to them for their own safety. Gardaí (Irish police) are continuing to enforce e-scooter regulations proactively, and have seen a significant increase in seized e-scooters in recent years. In 2024, there were 310 seizures, which had tripled to 931 by 2025.

In the first three months of this year alone, there were 754 seizures. The transport minister has stated that fixed charge notices for e-scooter offenses will be increased in the near future, and work on the registration of e-scooters is progressing, although it is a complex process. While a total ban on e-scooters is not yet on the table, the coming weeks will likely focus on the enforcement of these recent measures.