Bill to legislate for e-scooters will benefit commuters and our climate action efforts – Farrell

Legislation providing for the use of e-scooters on our roads will ensure they are used safely, make commuting easier and benefit our fight against climate change, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Farrell, Fine Gael’s Climate Action Spokesperson, has welcomed today’s publication of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which provides for the use of e-scooters and other vehicles classed as powered personal transporters (PPTs).

Deputy Farrell, who represents Dublin Fingal, has worked extensively on this matter, and published a Private Members Bill last year to legislate for e-scooters and e-bikes.

Deputy Farrell said, “This Bill is a welcome development that will see these types of vehicles brought into Irish legislation and will give greater clarity and certainty to users and law enforcement bodies.

“Many other countries in the European Union have already adopted these modes of transport and have done so successfully.

“I am glad that Ireland is now moving forward on this issue. E-scooters and other personal electric vehicles offer a clean and sustainable way to get from A to B.

“We must become early adapters of new and safe technology and developments in all areas of life if we are to grow the green economy in Ireland, capture a wave of international investment and meet our ambitious Climate Action targets.”

Deputy Farrell continued, “The Bill published by the Department of Transport today, will, in turn, allow the Minister of Transport to implement speed limits and other safety measures under regulations which will come as this Bill progresses.

“I believe that there will be a need for harmonisation between Local Authority Areas that will allow us to manage the use of these vehicles in a coherent and effective way, particularly in relation to the operation of shared schemes, similar to bike sharing schemes across the state.

“I look forward to this Bill working its way through the Oireachtas. This Bill will make these vehicles, which are already a common sight on our roads, safer for both drivers and other road users as well as benefitting the environment,” Deputy Farrell continued.