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listened to the Taoiseach's response on Leaders' Questions to my party leader, Deputy McDonald. He said the Government will introduce regulations for e-scooters. That is also in the programme for Government. Since 2024, e-scooters have been legal on Irish roads, but people do not need … licence to drive one. They do not have to be registered, taxed or insured. As we speak, e-scooters are being driven recklessly and with impunity across Dublin. They are so quiet that pedestrians do not hear them until they are right on top of them. They

information. There has been quite a bit of interest in what the Garda was doing. Issuing 958 fixed-penalty notices and seizing 817 e-scooters represent good progress. I support the roll-out of the technology further afield. Recent RSA research shows e-scooters are now perceived … Street show that, since May of last year, 25 children were admitted with an e-scooter-related traumatic brain injury. The issues that e-scooters bring are very serious and very real for young people. The Garda Síochána's own statistics show there was a big uptick

Yesterday on Eden Quay, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed by a group of four or five men. Disturbingly, those involved used e-scooters as getaway vehicles. They were dressed in black clothing and were able to leave the scene quickly. This is not an isolated issue … Across the country, e-scooters are increasingly linked with antisocial behaviour, drug activities and reckless use on footpaths, creating a real risk for families and especially older people. We also know from Temple Street hospital that 20 children under the age of 16 have already presented this year

enable key milestone projects like the Galway city ring road to develop. I have recently signed regulations to raise the age limit for e-scooter users from 16 to 18 years of age, make helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory and double the fees for detention and storage … seized e-scooters. Further work is being progressed on the registration of e-scooters. Earlier this year, we banned the use of scramblers in all public places, and I have also signed new regulations that double the charges payable by owners of scramblers seized and detained

England net, and we still do not have a garda trained to pursue any fleeing vehicle. There is also the issue of e-scooters and scramblers being used to terrorise people on our streets. The Government brought in legislation to tackle the use of scramblers after the tragic … Government to act. It is being reactive again to a situation and not proactive. The Government also brought in regulations in relation to e-scooters to deal with the number of young people suffering from acquired brain injuries but it was another reactive response. We have been telling

theory test programme that would really look at that evidence and robustly engage with the next generation of road users, whether drivers, cyclists, e-scooter users or pedestrians. For a very small sum of annual funding - it is fully costed at about €5.5 million - 50 development officers could … between the Garda and the local authority. The Government has missed a trick in some ways. I commend the response with regard to e-scooters over the summer. The Social Democrats had a different proposal, which was to register e-scooters. People would have had to register those

delivered. They also need youth diversion programmes and support in that. It is frustrating that the issues of road safety in relation to e-scooters and scramblers in the community are as bad as ever and it is not right. It is not acceptable. The concern … still happening. We need to see more action and resourcing and, as my colleague, Deputy Farrelly, put forward, the idea of registering e-scooters seems like a sensible proposal. We need action on that and we need enforcement because every community has the right to be safe

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

public spaces and there needs to be no ambiguity about that. Most people agree that we need to do more regarding e-scooters, most particularly in relation to our children. Somebody under the age of 16 is already not permitted to be on an e-scooter. However, talking … doctors, as we all do, they say that e-scooter accidents are the number one cause of induced brain trauma in children in Ireland. It is horrifying. Yes, it is illegal but when I talk to gardaí, the current structure is a bit cumbersome. We need to make

curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. These powers are being used. Since 2023, over 1,000 scramblers, e-scooters and quad bikes have been seized. The measures I outlined represent a comprehensive legislative response to the dangerous use of off-road scramblers … back on our roads. While the focus has rightly been on scramblers in recent weeks, as we approach the two-year mark since e-scooter regulations were introduced in May 2024, it is now appropriate that we look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted

what they want, when they want and how they want. It is not just scramblers that are causing problems in our communities. E-scooters are being driven recklessly and with impunity, often transporting drugs and cash for organised criminals. People coming off e-scooters are the leading cause … traumatic brain injuries presenting at the Mater hospital. The Government has said it will commit to looking at regulations for e-scooters and scramblers but they need to be comprehensive. We need to see what powers are going to be put in place for the Garda

being developed. I think that is the direction of travel we intend to work on. Deputy Mark Ward raised the regulation of e-scooters. The Minister got sanction from the Cabinet today for preliminary regulations covering the wearing of helmets and hi-vis vests for the users … e-scooters, e-bikes and so forth. That is important. We also understand that there will be a need for more regulation in respect of how e-scooters are being applied on our streets. Deputy O'Rourke raised special schools and classes. There has been

Going back to e-scooters for a minute, I support their use. Number one, they are economical for those who use them. Number two, they are environmentally friendly as a means of going around the city. However, they have to be regulated because they have to be used … speed limits of 20 km/h, safety gear - we could do more there - and passengers. People have to be on their own on an e-scooter. It is about enforcement, technology and empowering An Garda Síochána to keep up the good work they did last year and roll

with me every single week. Just this week, a parent in Raheny wrote to me to tell me about masked teenagers on e-scooters and scramblers and open drug dealing outside a crèche. I am being told by different representatives that nothing can and will be done … another issue. I was driving two nights ago when a young lad came down a one-way street towards me on an e-scooter who was easily going 50 km/h or 60 km/h. It was dark and rainy. These children are not just putting other people at risk

wish to raise the issue of safety on our roads and, indeed, footpaths in relation to e-scooters and e-bikes. Last week, while coaching our under-14 hurlers in Leixlip, I noticed that there was an ambulance and a police car at an incident on the road … been cycling his bike and minding his own business, along with other people, on the footpath at 7 p.m. in Leixlip. An e-scooter had come along and, obviously, hit him. There was impact there. For me, it highlighted the fear I hear from a lot of people

Deputy for raising what is a very important issue. Although regulations were introduced in 2024 to allow for the legal use of e-scooters on Irish roads, I believe they need to be kept under constant review because there are clear dangers and vulnerabilities in regard to their … Those regulations extended the rules of the road already in place for pedal cycles to include e-scooters, provide for technical standards and conditions for safe use and set a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h. Also An Garda Síochána can issue

will ask about e-scooter speeds. E-scooters are a welcome part of any mobility strategy but those who speed on them are a danger to themselves and everybody else, including pedestrians and cyclists on the road. There is a 20 km/h speed limit but it is difficult … Garda Síochána that it is a statutory limit. Will the Taoiseach consider giving An Garda Síochána the power and technology to seize e-scooters, to test them to make sure limiters are on and operational and, if not, to confiscate them

this was one of the major issues reflected in many estates right across my community. There is serious concern about the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers. We have taken action in the context of the existing laws. The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has signed some … Síochána, it has significantly increased its enforcement activity in this area. The Garda authorities report that there were 1,412 incidents in which e-scooters were seized in the first half of this year. That compares with 931 such incidents in the whole of 2025. The force

South-Central want more gardaí, particularly gardaí with powers to do what they need to do to ensure the laws are being upheld. E-scooters were mentioned on Monday and will be mentioned tonight as well. Gardaí need to be able to pursue people on e-scooters

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on plans to introduce registration requirements for e-scooters; to outline the work being undertaken in developing such a system; and the anticipated timeline for its introduction. [67414/26

Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the technical and safety basis which was relied upon for treating e-scooters differently under the new regulations from electrically assisted bicycles, including heavier utility or cargo e-bikes that may provide assistance up to 25 km/h. [65483/26

Transport the scientific, engineering, collision-safety or risk-assessment evidence that was used to select 25 kg as Ireland’s maximum permissible e-scooter weight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65482/26

project (details supplied); if he will request the NTA to pause the project given the national policy change in relation to e-scooters, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59910/26

Transport the public funding allocated for each of the years from 2022 to 2025 and to date in 2026 for the provision of e-scooter infrastructure, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter [59889/26

supplied); if he will request to pause the use of public funding on the project given the national policy change in relation to e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59925/26

John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the reasons for the delay in increasing the minimum legal age for the use of an e-scooter in a public place from 16 to 18 years-of-age; and the anticipated date on which the increased age limit will

date on which the fee increase came into effect; the date on which the fee increase will also apply to E-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64106/26

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