Concerns over Electric Scooter use in Laois

A Laois councillor queried how signs could be erected warning against cycling on footpaths while the same wasn’t possible for electric scooters. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins said electric scooters were neither legal to use on public footpaths or the road. He expressed concern about the use of electric scooters in Portarlington. 

“There have been a few incidents that were brought to my attention particularly with the elderly,” said Cllr Mullins.   

He claimed that there has been no enforcement in relation to the use of electric scooters despite the fact that they are illegal on public paths and roads. 

Cllr Mullins tabled a motion asking “that Laois County Council erect signage in suitable locations in Portarlington to indicate  that electric scooters are not permitted on footpaths.”

In a written response, Senior Engineer Paul McLoughlin stated that they were waiting for legislation on the use of scooters. 

“The use of Scooters are not yet legal on any part of a public road under Irish law, however, the Road Traffic (Electric Scooter) Regulations 2023 is awaited following its referral  to the EU for review. The regulations are expected to be introduced during Q4 2023. The Regulators will define the technical specification and particulars for the use of e scooters.  Following the introduction of the regulations along with the related proposed amendments to The Traffic (Signs) Regulations  1997, appropriate signage can be installed." 

Cllr Mullins said he was aware of new legislation which had yet to be enacted. He believed scooters and electric bikes, which he called “powered personal transporters”, would be treated like mopeds or motorbikes depending on their power and whether they could exceed speeds of 25 km h. If so, he said a licence, insurance and road tax would be needed. 

Cllr Mullins said he has seen children using the scooters in Portarlington. He recalled seeing two kids under the age of 10 or 11 on the footpath on one scooter. He said scooters were a safety concern across the county. 

“There are two signs on the footpath in Portarlington showing cycling is not allowed,” said Cllr Mullins. 

“Maybe some of the new residents in the town don’t understand,” he said.  

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran voiced her support for the motion.  She claimed there are “a huge number of head injuries to kids and adults” as a result of scooter use. 

Fine Gael Cllr PJ Kelly also expressed concern  about the use of electric scooters. 

“I witnessed an electric scooter in Portarlington with two adults and a child in the arms of one adult,” he said. 

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