Should we follow the Netherlands when it comes to e-scooters?
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan is pictured with Eilish McDonagh, Senior RSA Officer, Garda Emma Culleton, Danny Murphy, Treo, Jemma Jacob, Road Safety Officer, WCCC, Mike Fanning, National Ambulance Service and Garda Aoife Doyle.
Waterford City and County Council, in conjunction with the Waterford Road Safety Working Together Group (WRSWTG) recently launched an initiative to promote the safe use of e-scooters and highlight the dangers of illegally modified e-scooters.
The Council, together with An Garda Síochána, Road Safety Authority, Health Service Executive and Treo Port Láirge, emphasised that modified e-scooters have no place on our roads.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said: “The importance of safety for all road users cannot be overstated. Whether its motorists, cyclists, pedestrians or scooters, it is up to us all to act responsibly and with consideration for others as soon as we sit behind a wheel, or step foot on a scooter.”
Jemma Jacob, Road Safety Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “E-scooter users must adhere to the rules of the road and familiarise themselves with the relevant traffic laws and regulations. Equally, they must be conscious of other road users by not travelling on footpaths or pedestrianised areas and always ensuring the roadworthiness of an e-scooter before setting off.
Treo Port Láirge, a community-based organisation which reduces criminal activity by providing educational, social and vocational support to 16- to 23-year-olds. The organisation promotes the safe use of e-scooters and e-bikes. Danny Murphy CEO Treo Port Láirge said, "E-scooters are an increasingly popular, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to car ownership, offering flexibility and independence to many in our community. However, safety must always come first.
“It is also important to recognise the serious dangers associated with modified e-scooters, particularly those altered to increase speed or power, as these changes significantly raise the risk of accidents and serious injury.” Gardaí in Waterford’s Road Policing Unit showcased a speed measurement which determines the speed of e-scooters. With 20km/h the maximum speed allowed, the device can identify modified e-scooters and e-bikes. Councillor Jim D’Arcy gave his view on the subject to the Waterford News & Star: “We need greater legislation regulate for e-scooters. E-scooters are a great thing, used correctly and are the future of sustainable transport in Waterford city. They can reduce traffic jams and are a healthy way to travel.”
Cllr D’Arcy told the Waterford News & Star that he thinks Ireland should adopt similar policies as the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, e-scooters are required to carry a license plate and be registered with the national vehicle authority.
“In the meantime we need to in-force the law we do have around e-scooters, such as not riding on footpaths, not going about 25 kilometres per hour and no riders under the age of 16. It is a free for all at the moment and it’s dangerous.”
