Aontú Cllr Emer Tóibín calls for National Enforcement Campaign on E-Scooter Regulations
28/1/2025
Aontú Cllr Emer Tóibín is calling for the urgent introduction of a nationwide enforcement campaign on e-scooter regulations, to be delivered in close collaboration with An Garda Síochána, saying that the current laws are being flouted with abandon and people are being put in danger .
The Navan Cllr has confirmed that she has written to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, as well as to the Office of the Garda Commissioner requesting that An Garda Síochána work proactively with the Department of Transport on the design and delivery of such a campaign.
Cllr Tóibín says that while legislation governing e-scooters is in place, compliance on the ground remains poor and enforcement is inconsistent, creating real safety risks for pedestrians and road users.
“Across towns and villages, people are seeing e-scooters being used on footpaths, by underage riders, without helmets, carrying passengers, and in busy pedestrian areas. This behaviour poses a serious risk to older people, children, people with disabilities, and to riders themselves,” she said.
In her correspondence to the Minister, Cllr Tóibín proposed a clearly branded, time-limited national initiative, such as a ‘Smart E-Scooter Month’, with high Garda visibility and a strong focus on enforcement alongside public education.
She outlined that such a campaign should include:
- Visible Garda presence and enforcement action in both urban and rural areas
- Clear public messaging on legal requirements and penalties
- Engagement with schools, third-level institutions and employers
- The collection and publication of enforcement data to reinforce accountability
“Public confidence in e-scooter regulations will only be built if people see them being actively enforced. That requires coordination at national level. This cannot be left to piecemeal or ad-hoc local enforcement,” Cllr Tóibín said.
She added that her letter to the Garda Commissioner’s office emphasised the importance of Garda involvement from the outset.
“A national campaign will only succeed if the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána work hand in glove. High Garda visibility, consistent enforcement, and clear public messaging are essential if we are serious about safety.”
Cllr Tóibín stressed that e-scooters can play a positive role in sustainable transport, but only if public safety is treated as a priority.
“Responsible use must be the norm, not the exception. A strong, visible enforcement campaign is a practical step that can be taken now to protect pedestrians and restore confidence in our public spaces.”
Cllr Tóibín said she looks forward to responses from both the Minister for Transport and the Garda Commissioner and hopes that a national enforcement and awareness initiative will be progressed without delay.
