Gardaí warn parents e-scooters and quad bikes will be seized if used illegally
School principals asked to circulate warning as Garda superintendent pledges proactive enforcement, including seizure of vehicles
The parents of children who use electric scooters and quad bikes have been warned that gardaí will use all their enforcement powers, including the seizure of vehicles, where they find them being used unlawfully.
Garda Superintendent Siobhán Mollahan has written to school principals across the county as part of an education and prevention campaign, asking them to share information setting out the updated legal position regarding the use e-scooters, quad bikes, scramblers and dirt bikes.
New laws restricting the use of e-scooters were introduced this year in response to a sharp rise in serious injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries, among children and teenagers riding the devices.
Earlier this year, Children's Health Ireland reported that e-scooters had become the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries among children. Falls from e-scooters were causing more such injuries than car crashes, bicycle falls and other falls.
Superintendent Mollahan asked principals to remind parents that it is illegal for any child under 18 to use an e-scooter in a public place, including on footpaths, roads, cycle lanes, in parks or anywhere else frequented by members of the public.
“We are encountering incidents locally involving children who were unaware that they were operating these devices unlawfully,” Superintendent Mollahan wrote.
Under the law, e-scooter users must be at least 18 years of age, observe a 20kph speed limit, wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing, and drive on the left.
They may only use roads, cycle lanes or bus lanes, subject to the applicable restrictions. Scooters must have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes, and be in a roadworthy condition. Users must also follow the same rules of the road as cyclists.
E-scooters cannot be used on footpaths or pedestrianised areas. Users cannot hold or use a mobile phone while operating one, have a seat fitted to the scooter, or carry passengers or goods.
All under-18s using e-scooters in public places, as well as any other users who fail to comply with the regulations, are committing an offence, the superintendent points out.
Other regulations prohibiting the use of off-road motorcycles, including motorised quad bikes and scramblers, were introduced earlier this year following the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch, who was struck by a scrambler in the Dublin suburb of Finglas in January.
Known as Grace's Law, the regulations prohibit the use of such vehicles in public places, subject to limited exemptions. Superintendent Mollahan warns that gardaí will be taking a ‘proactive approach to enforcement’, including seizure.
“I wish to make you aware that gardaí are actively enforcing, and will continue to enforce, all legislation pertaining to the use of e-scooters, scramblers, quad bikes and dirt bikes in your area,” she writes.
“Where such vehicles are found to be used by individuals in contravention of legislation, appropriate action will be taken, including the seizure of the device where permitted by law.
“An Garda Síochána remains committed to improving road safety, but we also recognise that this cannot be achieved through enforcement alone.
“In this regard, we continue to focus on education and prevention through school programmes.
“It is requested that you share this information with parents, guardians and students.
“Education and awareness will help prevent breaches of the law, reduce the risk of injury and support a safe school commute for all stakeholders.”
With Christmas approaching, the warning is particularly timely as children begin putting pressure on parents for presents such as high speed e-scooters and quad bikes. Parents are being reminded that, regardless of whether such vehicles are bought as gifts, they are not toys and strict legal restrictions apply to their use.