There are currently not enough Gardaí to enforce the mandatory wearing of helmets by e-scooter users, a transport expert has argued.
In May 2024, new rules were introduced that banned e-scooters users from travelling faster than 20km/ph and restricted their use to those 16 and over.
Now the Government is considering tightening the rules further, following the deaths of three e-scooter users and a number of other serious injuries last year.
On Newstalk Breakfast, CompleteCar.ie Editor Shane O'Donoghue said he was doubtful about the impact any change in the rules would have.
“Given the number of children in particular that have been admitted to hospital in the last year from e-scooters, I think compulsory helmets is a great idea,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I think we have a major issue, a much bigger issue, which is enforcement of the existing rules, never mind adding new rules - and I think that's at the core of our issue here.”
A person on an e-scooter in Dublin. Picture by: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie.Mr O'Donoghue added that Gardaí find it especially difficult to enforce e-scooter restrictions.
“One of the core things, I believe, is enforcement and far too few Gardaí on the road,” he said.
“There's been a drop in the numbers over the last few years and this is now an extra aspect of road safety that they're supposed to deal with.
“It's not easy; a Garda car stops somebody on an e-scooter and they're gone in two seconds.”
Alternative?
Mr O'Donoghue continued that the problem is that e-scooters are not suitable for footpaths but that the roads are also “too dangerous”.
They are neither pedestrians or proper road users.
One solution would be for the Government to build more cycle lanes.
“Some of the other major cities across Europe have far more bike and scooter lanes in the cities than we do,” he suggested.
“I mean, the quays are just a disaster for cyclists; my wife commutes down that route all the time in the dark as well and it's just lethal.”
Main image: An e-scooter user. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.
