Dept. of Transport slammed for not introducing e-scooter regulations
By Maurice Garvey
LACK of regulation for e-scooters is “appalling”, according to Fianna Fáil TD John Curran.
Deputy Curran says Minister for Transport Shane Ross has failed to introduce a proper regulatory framework for e-scooters despite having received a Road Safety Authorities report two months ago.
Call for regulation of e-scooters
Popularity of e-scooters has skyrocketed, with commuters finding them a cheap and reliable form of transport to beat the traffic.
Ranging from €400-€600 in price, they can travel between 30-50km/h depending on the model.
With an attached motor, this makes them a mechanically-propelled vehicle or MPV under current legislation.
Earlier this year, the Department of Transport said e-scooters must be taxed, insured and the rider must have a licence, but acknowledged it is currently not possible to tax or insure scooters in Ireland.
The Department subsequently asked the Road Safety Authority to research how they are regulated in other EU countries.
A draft report was submitted by the Road Safety Authority to the Dept in June, and is currently being considered by officials.
Deputy Curran said: “Fianna Fáil has already published legislation to set legal parameters for the safe use of e-scooters. The Bill removes the requirement for e-scooters and e-bikes to be taxed and insured by altering the definition of mechanically-propelled vehicles.
“We want to see less cars on the roads, less congestion and less emissions but we want people to be responsible and safe.”
In separate cases, men riding e-scooters died after being hit by vehicles in Sweden and France, last May and June respectively.
This led to the French and Swedish authorities introducing new legislation limiting speed limits to 20 km/h in most areas, and in Paris, at just 8 km/h in places with heavy pedestrian traffic.
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