Ireland should emulate Netherlands' e-scooter rules
'These rules make sense and if Ireland could put something similar in place, there would be safer and more responsible use of e-scooters'
Dear Editor,
Ireland can learn from The Netherlands when it comes to regulating the use of e-scooters.
We are all so very aware of the terrible accidents that have happened because of the dangerous use of e-scooters, and I really feel we should follow the example set by the Netherlands, where a number of new regulations have been introduced.
These include:
Only approved e-scooters are allowed on the roads. Most e-scooters are not approved for use on roads in The Netherlands but for those that are they are required to ride on cycle paths and not on pavements.
Only people over 16 are allowed to ride an e-scooter on the road.
The e-scooter must be insured for third party liability and the insurer’s sticker must be affixed to the e-scooter.
E-scooters must not exceed 25km per hour.
You do not need a driving licence but you do need a registration plate.
These rules make sense and if Ireland could put something similar in place, there would be safer and more responsible use of e-scooters on the roads, and hopefully fewer tragedies.
E-scooters are a possible way of avoiding traffic jams and are very likely to become more popular into the future, and it is imperative that they are used more safely.
Cllr Jim D'Arcy,
Waterford City East representative
