Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
181. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport his plans to regulate the use of mechanised scooters; if he will introduce measures to deal with the problem of uninsured mechanised scooter users; if these users can be prevented from using footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31237/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government is committed to legislating for electric scooters. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2021, which was signed into law last week, includes provisions to allow for the regulation of e-scooters. The Act defines a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act, 1961, powered personal transporters or PPTs, which will include e-scooters. This enables me to put regulations in place to govern the safe use of e-scooters. E-scooters which meet the criteria established will become legal to use on the introduction of regulations governing technical and safety requirements and their use on public roads. The use of e-scooters on public roads will remain illegal until the introduction of these regulations.
It is worth noting that the introduction of new technical regulations for vehicles is subject to mandatory examination by the European Commission for a minimum of 12 weeks under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. The regulations will be submitted under this process as soon as possible.
While we are keen to embrace new transport technology, I would like to reassure you that the safety of vulnerable pedestrians and other vulnerable road users is of paramount importance when regulating the use of e-scooters. The intention is to restrict their use to public roads and cycle lanes, where they will be treated similarly to bicycles and be subject to the same rules of the road and penalties. As they are no longer classified as mechanically propelled vehicles, there will not be a requirement for tax, licencing or insurance. Under no circumstances will their use ever be allowed on footpaths or other pedestrianised areas.
