Laois TD warns against scooters for Christmas

A Laois TD has asked parents not to buy ‘dangerous’ electric scooters for children at Christmas. 

Deputy Brian Stanley raised the matter in the Dail when he called for legislation to be introduced as a matter of urgency. 

“I raise the issue of e-scooters with An Taoiseach. Legislation is due on them soon. There is a rush on this and it has to be dealt with as a matter of urgency because we have lists of serious injuries being reported, where members of the public, pedestrians, cyclists and, indeed, users of e-scooters are being injured,” Deputy Stanley said in the Dail. 

“Many parents will buy them now as Christmas presents for their children, and I would urge them not to do that, particularly for young children. They are not toys; they are a dangerous vehicle. Some are capable of high speeds, are being driven with no lights, helmets or high-vis jackets,” he said. 

Deputy Stanley said: “You can see them coming and going at night out of this place, and no protective clothing whatsoever is being worn. There are increased numbers of complaints from pedestrians, cyclists and other road users about them. As I said, many people are being seriously injured, including the users of the scooters.”

“The Bill has completed its Fifth Stage in the Seanad, as I understand. Secondary legislation will deal with many of the issues such as age, helmets, insurance, max speeds, lights and footpaths. I just ask that the Minister for Transport will include those in secondary legislation. This is an important issue. They are very dangerous,’ he stated. 

An Taoiseach Micheal Martin said “I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and it is a very important one. Very serious issues arise from the use of the e-scooters and the safety of all concerned. This is the case everywhere, and wherever they are used issues arise.”  

“I am simply saying the Bill is in the Seanad, where amendments have been tabled which will then go to the Parliamentary Counsel. It looks like the Bill will then come back to the Dáil, given that amendments are being tabled in the Seanad. We will all try to work collectively to see if we can get this through the House before the end of term,’’ the Taoiseach said. 

Deputy Stanley concluded the discussion by saying “I welcome the commitment to get this legislation finalised. The number of complaints from the public on this has increased. It is important the legislation provides for the safer use of e-scooters.’’

https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/972177/concerns-raised-over-electric-scooter-use-in-laois.html

Deputy Stanley had recently discussed the issue at the Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting. 

Chief Superintendent John Scanlan said legislation was awaited in relation to the scooters. He warned anyone considering an electric scooter for Christmas to be aware that they may be age restricted when the legislation is introduced. He said they weren’t toys and shouldn’t be given as toys.  

Chief Supt Scanlan said electric scooters above a certain power rating will need a driving licence which are only available to those 17 or over.