Spokesperson for Urban Affairs Calls for Immediate Regulation Change for E-Scooters

Independent Ireland spokesperson for Urban Affairs Ken O'Flynn, has expressed his sympathies with the family and friends of  Joe Carthy, aged 14, who died tragically in Kilkenny yesterday.

This is the latest tragedy involving a young person and an e-scooter following the deaths of 15 year old Gilbert Collins and his 17-year-old friend Abuzwa Idris, who died in Waterford in June. 

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Kilkenny this weekend, which follows another tragedy in Waterford City which involved a collision between a bus and an e-scooter, resulting in the loss of two tenageers. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends affected by these devastating events.  These are tragic and needless deaths and we must address the immediate safety concerns before more lives are lost"

"It is clear that the current regulations surrounding e-scooters are inadequate and fail to provide sufficient protection for both e-scooter riders and other road users. We urgently need to address this issue by introducing immediate and comprehensive e-scooter regulations to promote safety and accountability on our roads."

Cllr O'Flynn has proposed the following regulations to govern the use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds in Ireland:

We should consider implementing a mandatory theory test for minors and their adult supervisors that could help promote road safety awareness and responsible usage of e-scooters.

It is imperative that we prioritise the safety and well-being of our citizens by enacting robust e-scooter regulations that reflect the evolving landscape of urban transportation..

Allowing e-scooters to operate without a license, registration, tax, or insurance can pose several risks and challenges:

O'Flynn Outlined a number of concerns with the current system and called for immediate action:

1. **Safety Concerns**: Without proper regulations and requirements in place, there is a higher risk of accidents and injuries involving e-scooters. Riders may not have the necessary training or knowledge to operate the vehicles safely.

2. **Accountability Issues**: In case of accidents or damages caused by e-scooter riders, it could be challenging to hold them accountable without proper identification or licensing requirements.

3. **Insurance Coverage**: Without mandatory insurance, riders may face financial difficulties in the event of accidents or injuries, leading to potential legal and financial consequences.

4. **Lack of Oversight**: A lack of registration and regulatory oversight can make it difficult for authorities to track and manage e-scooter usage, leading to potential misuse.

5. **Public Safety**: Unregulated e-scooter usage can also impact public safety by contributing to issues such as pavement congestion, reckless riding, and conflicts with other road users.