Niall Collins
Question:338. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18095/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (338)
Written answers
The Programme for Government has committed my department to legislating for the use of electric scooters, or e-scooters. The use of e-scooters is not currently permitted on public roads.
The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which is currently before the Seanad, addresses this, amongst a range of other matters, by creating a new class of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act 1961, powered personal transporters. This vehicle class will encompass light electric vehicles like e-scooters. The Bill does not legalise the use of e-scooters but allows for rules for the safe use of e-scooters and technical standards to be provided in regulations.
The Regulations are being prepared by my department and are at an advanced stage. Requirements for lighting and other equipment such as braking and audible warning systems, prohibition of their use on footpaths or in pedestrianised zones, suitable speed limits and penalties for their misuse are proper to regulations after the necessary enabling powers have been provided by the Bill. Until these regulations are in place, the use of e-scooters will remain illegal and An Garda Síochána may seize these vehicles.