Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran says the government should take on board a Fianna Fáil Bill which will regulate for the safe use of electric scooters.
Deputy Curran was speaking after discussing The Bill at second stage in the Dáil recently.
The Bill removes the requirement for e-scooters to be taxed and insured by altering the definition of mechanically propelled vehicles, he said; “Currently; e-scooter users should have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, with penalties under road traffic laws, including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle, for not being in compliance with these requirements. Despite this, it is currently not possible to tax or insure e-scooters, so they are essentially illegal on Irish roads.
Despite the increase in popularity of e-scooters; Shane Ross has failed to introduce a proper regulatory framework for the safe use of e-scooters on our city’s streets even having received the Road Safety Authorities report on the issue two months ago. The Minister’s lack of any timeline or urgency in relation to this matter is appalling. He has allowed his officials in his Department to sit on the Road Safety Authorities report for two months now without any decision or action on his part.
E-scooters offer a green alternative to commuters making short journeys around the City and suburbs and have the potential to reduce congestion. I see parents using them to do the school drop off while their children scoot or cycle beside them, this has to be encouraged.” “The Government’s reaction has been to look the other way and pretend it isn’t happening. There is no doubt that these devices have the potential to make a very positive impact on transport in the city and we need a plan.
The Fianna Fáil Bill removes the requirement for e-scooters and e-bikes to be taxed and insured by altering the definition of mechanically propelled vehicles. The Fianna Fáil Bill permits the use of e-scooters on Irish roads, but it also lays down a number of safety requirements.
We want to see less cars on the roads, less congestion and less emissions but we want people to be responsible and safe and to minimise the potential for any accidents and injuries. These devices have the potential to serve the same purpose in our city as they do in many other major European cities, I will continue to follow up with the Minister in relation to this matter”, concluded Deputy Curran.
