“Registration and Insurance Now Essential for E-Scooters” – Deputy Shane Moynihan

Fianna Fáil Transport Spokesperson Shane Moynihan has called for the introduction of measures requiring e-scooter users to have insurance and registration.

The Dublin Mid-West TD made his comments following alarming reports of serious injuries linked to e-scooter use. A recent RSA survey found nearly one in four (24%) regular e-scooter users have been involved in a collision, while one in three (32%) have experienced a near miss.

Speaking on the issue, Deputy Moynihan said:

“These numbers are staggering. Right now there is no accountability when it comes to e-scooters. More and more users are pushing these vehicles to their limits, putting their own lives and the lives of others in serious danger.

“The measures I am calling for are practical and sensible steps to improve road safety.

"At present there is no legal requirement for e-scooter users to have insurance. This means that if a crash causes life-threatening injuries or serious damage, there is no financial cover for the costs involved, placing an unjust burden on third parties.

“Anything that moves that fast on our roads should have insurance and its users should be responsible for what they are doing. This is not about placing an extra burden on users but about ensuring safety and accountability on our roads and footpaths.”

Deputy Moynihan argued that such measures would align Ireland with other EU countries that have recently tightened e-scooter regulations, with nations like France, Italy, and Germany now requiring insurance, licensing, and stricter safety standards for riders and vehicles alike.

Deputy Moynihan continued:

“If I do something illegal in my car, my registration number allows me to be tracked. The same must apply to e-scooters.

“In my constituency e-scooters are being used in antisocial behaviour, drug dealing and even during recent riots, allowing people to move quickly between locations and evade Gardaí. Introducing registration plates would help Gardaí identify and track those involved in such criminal activity.”

“The evidence is clear and the risks are growing. Significant financial and personal harm can result from unregulated e-scooter use. It is unfair on innocent pedestrians who may be injured or impacted through no fault of their own.

“E-scooter users must understand that these are vehicles and come with responsibilities. They are not exempt from the rules that keep all road users safe.”

ENDS