Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
166. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the legislation planned for the use of motorised scooters in public roads and spaces; his plans to make changes to legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21121/20]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to so-called "e-scooters" and similar Powered Personal Transport (PPT) devices, rather than the light two-wheeled power vehicles commonly referred to as scooters or mopeds, the use of which is legal within an existing comprehensive framework of driver and vehicle legislation.
I intend to legislate for eScooters in accordance with the Programme for Government. This will involve identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas, as with any other class of vehicle on our roads, for the safety and protection of their users and other road users. The work must be carried out in such a way that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic Law or Road Safety in general. The Government's current legislative priorities are the necessary measures to manage the Covid 19 crisis and to address its social and economic consequences.
In the meantime, the use of e-scooters and other forms of PPT on public roads and in public places remains illegal in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. They may be used on private land with the landowner's permission.
