The Garda Representative Association has said it would “welcome” a ban on e-scooters, if the Government decides to introduce one. 

In recent weeks, a number of teenagers have been hospitalised with life changing injuries following accidents on e-scooters. 

Under 16s are banned from using the vehicles; however, Gardaí say the law is hard to enforce and widely ignored. 

The Minister for Road Safety has said the Department of Transport is “seriously considering” a ban and Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he is “leaning towards” that position as well. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Garda Representative Association Niall Hodgins said e-scooters are widely used by criminals. 

“We would welcome a ban on these things but, as you know, people will always flout the law,” he said. 

“Because they’re such a useful tool with regards to criminality in general, we're going to have a problem either way if there is a total ban or not,” he said. 

“So, in order for the Gardaí to deal with these things, I've said before previously that the State - including Garda management - have to resource us, train us and protect us.

“Resourcing is certainly, you won't be chasing after these things in a family saloon car, which is all that we have.” 

Mr Hodgins continued that Gardaí need to be trained in how to pursue e-scooters, but that is unlikely to be available for years. 

“Well, I can tell you that my predecessor, who was probably one of the highest qualified guards within driving capabilities within the Guards,” he said. 

“It would be his opinion that training will not be ready in respect of pursuit driving and all that as late as 2029.”

Mr Hodgins also urged parents to ensure that their children do not use e-scooters, describing parental responsibility as “another ingredient”that keeps society safe. 

“Our members will go out… because of a sense of moral obligation and service to their community,” he said. 

“Because of the public appetite to deal with this issue and because of our doctors and our consultants' calls in respect of all the children that are in intensive care because of these things. 

“I'm sure our legislators will have to consider all of those calls when they're meeting later to deal with these things, which it really is a scourge at the moment.”

Main image: An e-scooter. Picture by: Alamy.com.