Taoiseach 'leaning towards' full ban on e-scooters

Concerns about the safety of e-scooters and scrambler bikes have continued to grow following a number of incidents and fatalities involving the vehicles over the past five years.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that he is now "leaning towards" a full ban on e-scooters.

Mr Martin confirmed that a report on injuries from e-scooters is currently being drawn up by Children's Health Ireland (CHI).

He told the Dáil that this work would be of "profound consequence" and it would inform the next steps the Government will take.

He added that Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney is also looking at "every option" when it comes to clamping down on scrambler bikes.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is holding a meeting this afternoon on the issue of 'Use of Scrambler Bikes and Public Safety'.

Mr Martin was responding to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald who raised the case of 14-year-old Jayden Deans who was recently struck by a scrambler in the north inner city of Dublin.

He has been left with a mangled leg as the problem of scramblers is getting worse, Ms McDonald said.

She spoke of the death of Grace Lynch in Finglas earlier this year and the Government pledge at the time that this would be a turning point.

As Grace Lynch's parents watched on from the visitor's gallery, she said that unless the law is enforced it essentially means nothing.

In Meath, the issue of e-bikes and e-scooters mounting footpaths in Navan and racing in Blackwater Park was highlighted by councillors during a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last month.

Cllr John Duffy said a member of the public had raised the issue of e-bikes and scooters in Backwater Park with him.

"He had seen up to six people speed racing in the park. It is a big concern for people out for a walk. It is very hard to determine what you can and cannot do," he said.

Cllr Duffy called on Meath Co Council to put in place notices informing the public that both e-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited from use in Blackwater Park.

Meanwhile, the Mayor, Cllr Francis Deane asked what plans were in place for the council to ban powered scooters mounting footpaths throughout Navan town.”

"It has become a major problem recently, particularly in Johnstown," he said.

He was told the use of powered scooters on footpaths was not permitted, other than for access or egress to a property. Since the rules legalising e-scooters took effect (2024), riders of e-scooters must adhere to the same road rules as cyclists.

Director of Services Martin Murray said that the council cannot issue fines under this legislation, it was a matter purely for the Gardai.

A €50 fixed charge applies for such offences.

As the debate around e-scooters and scrambler bikes continues, it's clear the issue has sparked strong opinions in communities across the country.

With public safety, enforcement and future legislation all under increasing scrutiny, the conversation is far from over. We want to hear from you - are you an e-scooter owner? or have you had your own experience with e-scooters/scrambler bikes? Share your views and experiences in the comments below and join the discussion.