Darragh's Soapbox: E-Scooters and E-Bikes

The use of electric scooters by children under the age of 16 in a public place is to be prohibited starting from this week.

Users of e-scooters must now be sixteen years or over, and powerful e-mopeds that can go markedly faster than fast cyclists will need vehicle registration and, in some cases, to be licensed and insured.

New regulations clarify that e-scooters must be used in the same way as bicycles on public roads, not be used to carry passengers or goods, not use the footpath and obey a speed limit of 20km/h.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “Next week marks an important change on Irish roads. We are asking people on e-scooters and other road users to familiarise themselves with the traffic laws."

We asked Waterford locals how they feel about this change. 

Dylan Paul said,  “That change is the best thing ever. All the young people are flying around on them, and it's so dangerous for the older people walking around the centre of town. 

"It's better to have some control on them and it's about time. Its madness."

He added,  “If people use them properly and they're looking after themselves, no problem, but when it comes to driving them through the square or on really busy roads it's just too dangerous."

Kingsley said, "The changes make sense because too many young people are using them and I've seen a few accidents happen. So raising the age is a good thing, and it should have been like that since the start. Too many people have them, and too many of them are young people."

John Paul McDonagh expressed a differing opinion, saying: “If young people are working or going to school and they can't afford a car, how are they supposed to get around? I don’t think they should be banned for people under 16."