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Parents and guardians in Ireland will be held legally and financially responsible if children are found riding e-scooters once a new ban on under‑18s is implemented, the Transport Minister said yesterday. The Cabinet approved a suite of stricter rules after doctors and Gardaí raised concerns about serious injuries and the vehicles’ use in criminal activity.
What changes the government has agreed
The measures tighten who can use e-scooters and how they must be operated. Key elements include a rise in the minimum user age to 18, a requirement to wear helmets and high‑visibility clothing, and higher penalties for offences.
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- Minimum age for riders increased to 18.
- Helmets and high‑visibility clothing made mandatory.
- Standard fine for e-scooter offences raised to €100.
- Detained e-scooter release fees doubled: €80 for the first day and €30 per subsequent day.
Who will pay if a child is caught riding
New rules require e-scooters to be registered to an adult at purchase. That adult will be liable for any fines connected to the vehicle, regardless of who was riding it at the time.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien put the responsibility plainly: “If you’ve bought it and it’s registered to you, and you’re 25 years of age, and you let your 12‑year‑old brother or sister use it, you’re responsible.”
Junior Minister Seán Canney drew a parallel with cars, saying ownership carries accountability: “It’s going to make sure whoever owns the e‑scooter is responsible for it, and is the person who will be answerable if a child is found on it.”
Why ministers say the change is necessary
Health professionals alerted ministers to a rise in children arriving at hospitals with serious head injuries linked to e‑scooter use. Gardaí have also reported that the devices have been exploited to assist criminal behaviour, notably drug dealing.
Tánaiste Simon Harris and other ministers have urged families to act now. Mr O’Brien advised parents not to let children under 18 use e‑scooters and warned that buying one for a minor could carry significant consequences.
Next steps: registration, testing and enforcement
Officials say the registration process will be introduced for all e‑scooters, though it is not yet decided whether retailers or buyers will complete that step. The Government is also working through details of a testing and licensing regime for lawful users.
Enforcement will include fines and vehicle detention. Ministers stressed the aim is safety: keeping children out of hospital and reducing the opportunities for criminal misuse.
