Foyle MLA demands urgent action on dangerous e-scooter use in Derry

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has called for urgent steps to address the antisocial use of scramblers and e-scooters across Northern Ireland.

He was speaking following an SDLP Opposition Day motion on Tuesday calling for the expansion of successful community and school-based pilot programmes, in order to protect communities and provide safer recreational opportunities for young people.

The MLA for Foyle said: “Every week, I’m contacted by constituents terrified by near-misses. They tell me of e-scooters weaving through pedestrians at speed on narrow footpaths or the heart stopping moment a child on a scooter darts into traffic from behind a parked car.

“Too often these vehicles are treated like toys when, in reality, they can cause serious injury or worse when used carelessly. We see the same reluctance from Ministers to properly address or take responsibility on this issue.

“When used responsibly and in the right setting, these vehicles offer a great, greener alternative for modern travel. But the reality on our streets at the moment is far from that ideal.

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“The PSNI are trying their best but they are fighting an uphill battle against a tide of unregulated, high-powered vehicles.

“I’ve been raising this issue for five years at least and within that time, the response from the Department for Infrastructure has been to ‘monitor’ developments elsewhere. The Irish Government introduced e-scooter legislation in May 2024.  In England, pilot rental schemes have provided a framework for safe, licenced use on public roads.  Meanwhile, the North sits in a legislative vacuum.

“In February, Minister Kimmins advised me via Assembly Question that the Department was exploring measures to raise awareness around the dangers associated with e-scooters. So where are those measures? We’ve already seen a tragic fatality in the South, it is a matter of when, not if a similar tragedy occurs here if we do not act. The time for monitoring is over.

"This is about more than enforcement. It is about changing the culture, tackling the dangers head-on and giving young people alternative and safer spaces. We need clear regulation, safety standards and a commitment from ministers to addressing this issue."