Under-18s are now prohibited from using e-scooters in public places, while the cost of recovering a seized scooter has also increased.
The minimum age for using an e-scooter in Ireland has increased from 16 to 18, with the new regulations coming into effect since Friday 2nd October.
The change means people under the age of 18 can no longer legally use an e-scooter in a public place. At the same time, the fees for the detention and storage of seized e-scooters have doubled. The initial fee for detention and the first day of storage is now €80, while an additional €30 per day applies for each subsequent day.
The changes were introduced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney.
The Government said the increased age limit was introduced as a road safety measure, following concerns about serious injuries and fatalities involving younger e-scooter users.
Part of a series of new e-scooter rules. The latest changes follow regulations introduced on 4th September, which made helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory for e-scooter users.
Further measures are also planned, including an increase in Fixed Charge Notice penalties for e-scooter offences to €100. A new €100 Fixed Charge Notice offence is also due to be introduced for failing to wear a helmet or high-visibility clothing while using an e-scooter.
The Government says further changes will be introduced once the necessary legislative, administrative and technical work is completed.
The Department of Transport previously sought an expedited EU process for the age-limit change, citing road safety concerns and serious injuries associated with underage e-scooter use.
The European Commission agreed to the use of the urgency procedure, allowing the regulations to be introduced without the usual 12-week standstill period.
The new age restriction is the latest in a series of changes to the rules governing e-scooters in Ireland, with the Government saying the measures are intended to improve safety while allowing active and sustainable travel options to continue to develop.
