If Santa is bringing you an E-Scooter be aware of the new law, check it twice

People need to be aware of new incoming legislation on E-Scooters, as they prove to be a popular gift this Christmas, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Alan Farrell, Dublin Fine Gael TD and Fine Gael Spokesperson for Climate Action, submitted legislation on the matter in the Dáil earlier this year to ensure regulation of e-scooters to make the roads safer for all.

Deputy Farrell said, “E-Scooters are going to be a popular gift this year, whether it’s Santa bringing one down the chimney, or people planning to purchase them in the post-Christmas sales.

“However with a lack of legislation in this area, E-Scooters were totally unregulated. That’s why I tabled legislation on the matter earlier this year and Minister Eamon Ryan is due to address e-scooters in a Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which will address the need for legislation with respect to E-Scooters in 2021.

“My Bill will seek to legislate for to legalise these vehicles limiting their speed and output as well as imposing a minimum age of use as 16 years old.

“Furthermore, the Bill would bring Ireland in line with many other European countries who have engaged with this modern technology that will enhance individual’s ability to adopt clean and sustainable transport in our towns and villages.

“This Government and its predecessor committed to creating a modern transport network that supports clean modes of navigating our towns and cities. Significant funding has been secured in Budget 2021 to improve our cycle network, which E-Scooter users will benefit from as they will be using cycle lanes under the new legislation.”

Deputy Farrell continued: “By regulating these vehicles, we can make them safer for both drivers and other road users. This, I believe, will encourage people to consider E-Scooters as a viable commuter option that will allow them to leave their cars at home, particularly for those who wish to avoid public transport at the moment. This could play a significant role in our overall climate action strategy with its ambitious emissions reduction targets.

“So while they could be the perfect present this Christmas, E-Scooter users should make themselves familiar with the new law in this area and await the passage of legislation in early 2021,” Deputy Farrell concluded.