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have become more acutely aware in recent times, of the serious brain injuries sustained in many cases by children who use e-scooters and the inherent dangers in how e-scooters are being used. From the Government's perspective, we introduced a comprehensive suite of regulations … govern the safe use of e-scooters in public places. These include the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024), which provides for technical standards and conditions for safe use, including a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h. The Road

know the Garda Commissioner is speaking to the Oireachtas committee as well. There has been very proactive seizure of scramblers and, indeed, of e-scooters. About 2,000 e-scooters have been seized since 2024 and about 418 scramblers have been seized since 2024. The impact of these … Minister for justice to bring in legislation to ensure that gardaí are protected while in pursuit of anyone on a scrambler or e-scooter. The Minister for Health has sought a full and comprehensive report from CHI in respect of injuries to children as a result of e

glaring reality that we in these Houses and the Government have to be honest about - a law was passed in 2024 to regulate e-scooters. Some countries have no regulation of e-scooters but what has actually happened since we made e-scooters legal to purchase in Ireland … regulatory regime we in these Houses passed. This is despite every effort by the Garda and others to encourage parents not to purchase e-scooters for their kids - they should not have them. I see in my own constituency gardaí seizing e-scooters right, left and centre. Parents

past year, the number of children admitted to Temple Street with brain injuries from accidents on e-scooters has increased by 50%. I think we have agreement across the House that this is an ever-worsening public health crisis at this point. It is clear that … under-16s using e-scooters has been a monumental failure. We need a new approach. As the Tánaiste has just said, instead of a ban, we need regulation that is workable and enforceable. We have some proposals today that the Tánaiste might consider ahead of his meeting next

raising with the Minister of State is the increase in the number of injuries, including those involving young children, relating to e-scooters and e-bikes. Ten have been killed. Temple Street hospital consultants have been highlighting the number of serious injuries, including the fact that six children … brain surgery. This is a serious matter. The current laws are not being enforced. The 20 km/h speed limit is not being implemented. E-scooter drivers should be over 16. I have seen children of nine and ten years old on them. They are carrying passengers when they

related issues. I want to focus on the number of children presenting in Temple Street Hospital with head injuries from the use of e-scooters. This is an issue that we have heard the clinicians, in particular, Irwin Gill, neurodisability consultant, speak out on for some time … statistics I find most concerning is that all these child injuries and long-term head injuries have all happened since the legalisation of e-scooters. Before we had e-scooters and a regulatory regime for them in May 2024, kids were not suffering these head injuries. They were

think we need to stand back and have a fundamental review of e-scooters more generally, given the level of injuries that have been reported by medical consultants. That needs to be examined in more detail in light of the statements they have issued recently. That level … brain injury among children suggests society has to really stand back and review the entire role of e-scooters, to be frank. It is unacceptable that there would be those numbers. I am informed that gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous

Children’s Health Ireland, CHI, report on e-scooter related injuries for children is shocking. It reported that between January 2021 and August 2025, there were 1,130 attendances at CHI emergency departments due to e-scooter related injuries, and that over the past 12 months, there … also raised the horrific injuries suffered by a young boy, Jayden Deans, as a result of scramblers. We know that both scramblers and e-scooters are being used by gangs to distribute drugs, to openly and actively intimidate, and to evade the gardaí and, yet, we heard

this House and at the transport committee, I have been raising the need for increased regulation and enforcement in the area of e-scooters. I welcome the statement this week by the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, that he will look at registration and insurance requirements. These … also something that I have raised on the floor of the House with regard to high visibility and helmet use by those operating e-scooters, and educating parents that minors should not be operating them. The third piece in this puzzle is gardaí feeling they have the support

walk away from here, knowing that every day for the next eight weeks, a child is going to be injured due to an e-scooter. I listened to the Garda Commissioner yesterday calling for a full ban, and the Taoiseach said something similar during the week. I believe … that is a cop-out. The reality is that e-scooters are a legitimate form of transport for many people out there, but they are also used as a form of intimidation, particularly in the communities that I represent in Dublin Central. We know that enforcement

this, the Department of Transport is examining the issue of mandating the wearing of helmets, high-vis clothing and protective equipment for e-scooters and e-bikes, along with other road safety focused measures. Proposals in this regard are under consideration by Ministers. The Department is also considering … matter of registration for e-scooters. Any system of mandatory registration requires significant development work to act effectively and efficiently. A registration system for e-scooters would need to address various issues, including how to verify the identity of individuals who use them, safe and visible placement

road safety over the past week in the context of discussions on illegal use of scrambler bikes and the dangerous use of e-scooters. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, are due to make significant decisions about new laws soon. The Road Safety … there, but there are plenty of people who are law abiding and who do their best to drive safely. They use e-scooters because they are more convenient and are cheaper to run in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. In the decision it is about

across our suburbs in Finglas and Cabra and all across the country, are sick to the back teeth of gangs on high-speed e-scooters and scramblers literally bringing havoc and real danger to our neighbourhoods. They speed through our communities with absolutely no regard for anybody … enforced, then it essentially means nothing. Martin, her dad, has told how his blood boils when he sees scramblers and e-scooters moving at high speed across our city with no consequences for the people on them. Lives have been lost. We know of the loss of lives

Sherlock, the Government introduced a comprehensive suite of regulations in 2024, a list of which is available, to govern the safe use of e-scooters in public places. Key restrictions relate to an age limit of 16 years, speed restrictions of 20 km/h, the prohibition … footpath and the prohibition on carrying passengers or having a seat. E-scooters which do not conform to the e-scooter regulations are illegal for use on Irish roads. The enforcement of all road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Regarding injuries caused

Department of Transport is examining the issue of mandating the use of protective equipment for e-scooters and e-bikes along with other road safety-focused measures. Proposals in this regard are under consideration by the Ministers. The Department is also considering the matter of registration for e … scooters. Any system of mandatary registration requires significant development work to act effectively and efficiently. A registration system for e-scooters would need to address issues including how to verify the identity of individuals who use them, safe and visible placement of registration plates and sufficient resourcing

Dublin city task force. This week, the Garda Commissioner has been in front of two Oireachtas committees, speaking about the issue of e-scooters, and has given his thoughts about the enforcement side of things. I was pleased to hear this morning that the Garda Commissioner is also … view that e-scooters are propagating drug supply lines in my constituency and are devastating communities across the country. Whatever course of action the Government takes, and I have views on either a total ban or a registration and licensing system, it is clear to me that gardaí

There has been a big increase in the numbers of deaths and serious injuries caused by the use and misuse of e-scooters. E-scooters are now the biggest cause of traumatic brain injuries among children. Children are being killed and gardaí working in the area have been … injured. CHI has reported that six children have been admitted to intensive care in Temple Street with traumatic brain injuries, following accidents involving e-scooters in just two weeks. What steps is the Government taking to prevent these injuries and then to ensure the necessary resources are there

deputy chief medical officer has formally written to the HSE’s national director of public health seeking an initial public health report on e-scooter related injuries in children and young people. That report is intended to clarify the scale of the issue, the impact on health services … usage continues to grow. The Deputy’s question asked about the number of people who present to emergency departments with injuries arising from e-scooters. Emergency departments do not track that data. They certainly do not track the location of an incident outside the hospital. Their

thank Deputy Stanley for raising a very important issue. Critically, he is quite right about the capacity and power of e-scooters. They are a huge risk to public safety. The Government is taking this very seriously. I echo the Deputy's calls that we have to make … enforcement unit with An Garda Síochána and I know the work it has to do. It takes time because the prevalence of e-scooters now is very significant. We can all see that in our communities and in our daily lives. We have a huge body of work

trained in pursuit driving. It has called for its members to be trained and protected if they pursue a scrambler. Scramblers and e-scooters go hand in hand. In the past two weeks, six children have been admitted to Temple Street hospital with traumatic brain injuries because … e-scooters. Does the Taoiseach believe that gardaí have proper training and protections to tackle this scourge? Does he believe that adequate regulations and laws are in place to protect our communities from the scourge of dangerous scramblers and e-scooters

been a substantive body of law enacted in respect of scramblers, in particular. On the enforcement side, gardaí are seizing scramblers and e-scooters. In quarter 1 of 2026, 94 scramblers were seized, tracking well ahead of 2025's full year figure of 159. I gave the figures … e-scooters earlier. About 754 were seized in the first quarter, compared to 931 for 2025. On the training side, we are determined to provide resources to the Garda in terms of equipment and training in all matters pertaining to this issue. Over 38 e-scooters

club outstrips the other. In recent days the country has been really shocked by reports of children fighting for their lives because of e-scooter crashes. I have heard doctors warn of an epidemic of traumatic brain injury, gardaí raising concerns about risk posed by reckless and unlawful … footpaths. Many older people are afraid to walk through town centres. Parents worry every time a child leaves the house because these e-scooters are being driven at speed through public spaces with absolutely no regard for anybody's safety, much less the law. This

Lynch's parents, two incredible people who are really trying to make society safer after the loss of their daughter, Grace. On the e-scooter issue, from memory, I heard somebody say it was the number one reason that children were now ending … quite an incredible thing to say: the number one reason children end up in ICU in Ireland is because of e-scooter accidents. I have heard a lot of comments in recent days. Do we ban them? Do we very quickly move to put in place a more

have rules now, and she listed them out in relation to the signs. However, they are being ignored. The only place e-scooters are not being used is on the motorways, but they are being used extensively on footpaths and pedestrianised areas. The type of scooters that … treated the same. Some do multiples of that speed, and very few do less unless they are kids’ toys. An ordinary e-scooter should not be treated as a toy. The 16-year-old age category is being completely ignored. I would appeal to parents who still think

issue. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Canney, will be back to the House in terms of regulations for e-scooters or a ban on e-scooters, which I must say I am leaning towards myself

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the sale of e-scooters will be regulated; the penalties to wholesalers or other businesses for selling e-scooters that can travel above 20 km/h; the penalties for individuals who modify e-scooters to increase their

asked the Minister for Transport to outline the new statutory obligations that will be placed on retailers at the point of sale for e-scooters; the way in which the Government intends to enforce the ban on the sale of e-scooters to minors and the sale

Minister for Transport if his Department has developed, or intends to develop, contingency plans in the event that an outright prohibition on e-scooters were to be introduced in the future; the arrangements that would apply to privately owned e-scooters already in circulation at that time, including

Deputy Daniel Ennis asked the Minister for Transport his plans to tackle a growing number of injuries received by children using e-scooters, given the news that six children have been placed on life support in the past two weeks in Children’s Health Ireland Temple Street hospital … injuries they have sustained on e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53082/26

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport his Department's current assessment of the operation of the e-scooter regulations introduced in May 2024; the number of fixed charge notices issued since commencement, by offence type; whether his Department intends to review the 20km/h speed limit … minimum age requirement, the prohibition on footpath use and passenger carriage, and the technical standards for compliant e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53678/26

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and other relevant bodies have had with retailers and online marketplaces regarding the sale and advertising of e-scooters that do not comply with Irish road-use requirements, including high-powered or modified models and e-scooters marketed to children under 16 years

Minister for Transport for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to ensure Gardaí have sufficient powers to tackle the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55351/26

greater legal certainty for Garda members who, acting in good faith and in accordance with authorised pursuit policies, pursue and apprehend suspects using e-scooters, e-bikes or similar vehicles. [56944/26

Transport the measures being taken to protect vulnerable road users, including older persons, children and people with disabilities, from the misuse of e-scooters and other powered personal transporters on footpaths and in pedestrian areas; and whether further legislative changes are under consideration. [56945/26

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if the Government are considering a ban on e-scooters in all public places; if additional safety requirements are being considered; if taxation and insurance are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57044/26

asked the Minister for Transport to specify the new powers and protections that have been mooted for Gardaí in policing dangerous or illegal e-scooter usage; and the means by which they will be granted. [57292/26

Minister for Transport the details of the proposed legislation intended to grant greater legal protections to members of An Garda Síochána when pursuing e-scooters and e-bikes; the expected timeline for the enactment of these provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57733/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department maintains a national dataset distinguishing e-scooter accidents involving compliant devices (20kmh, 400 watt, 25kg limits) from those involving non-compliant or overpowered devices; if not, the reason; and if his Department will commit to establishing

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the State body that holds responsibility for enforcement action against retailers selling e-scooters that exceed the legal speed, power, or weight limits set out in the relevant road traffic legislation; and if his Department will clarify this

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of the meeting between Ministers and officials on 8 July 2026 regarding e-scooter regulation; the specific legislative options currently being drafted arising from that meeting; and the timeline for a decision. [55101/26

Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if the legislative options under consideration following the meeting of 8 July 2026 will apply to e-scooters that already comply with the current 20kmh, 400 watt, and 25kg limits, or only to non-compliant overpowered devices; and if his Department will

Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to a point-of-sale regulation mechanism or buy-back scheme for non-compliant e-scooters, as proposed by cycling advocacy groups; and if the Department has engaged with retailers on the ease with which speed limiters on these devices

Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the status of engagement with the insurance industry regarding the introduction of mandatory insurance for e-scooters; and if his Department has received confirmation from any insurer of willingness to provide cover subject to additional legislative restrictions. [55104/26

Department has engaged with the Minister for Health or the Health Service Executive regarding the volume of paediatric intensive care admissions arising from e-scooter accidents; and if any interdepartmental data-sharing arrangement exists to track this. [55105/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if a full ban on e-scooters is among the options being brought to Cabinet this week; the expected timeline for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55452/26

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if e-scooters will be allowed in cycle lanes; if they are reclassified as mechanically propelled vehicles; to outline the licence requirements for drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56961/26

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport whether he is reviewing the legislative framework governing Garda pursuits involving persons using e-scooters, e-bikes and other powered personal transporters, particularly where such vehicles are being used in the commission of criminal offences or to evade Gardaí

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport whether An Garda Síochána has requested additional powers to safely intercept and apprehend offenders using e-scooters, e-bikes and similar powered personal transporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59440/26

Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the specific legislative or regulatory mechanisms that will be used to raise the legal age limit for e-scooter use from 16 to 18 years; the date in August 2026 when this regulation is expected to come into effect

threshold of evidence that would lead his Department to consider the introduction of an outright prohibition on the use, sale or possession of e-scooters in the State; whether such criteria have been identified or are under consideration by his Department; the assessment that has been undertaken