'Dangerous' use of e-scooters lead to fears of Mayo fatalities

The outgoing Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District has warned that the dangerous use of electric-scooters could become one of the biggest road safety issues facing Mayo in the coming year.

Speaking at the municipal district's annual general meeting, Cllr Michael Burke raised concerns about the growing number of e-scooters being used in towns, particularly by underage riders, saying stronger enforcement and greater public awareness are urgently needed.

Cllr Burke said he had seen an increase in the number of e-scooters being used around his native Ballinrobe, with many users riding at high speeds and switching between roads and footpaths without wearing helmets or hi-vis jackets.

“It’s absolutely bananas,” he said. “While there has been a number of deaths in the last couple of months, I hate to predict there’s going to be many more.

“A parent who gives a 12 or 13-year-old child an e-scooter, to me, has a big question to answer. What are they thinking?” he said.

“They have no experience being on the road. Some of these children have never even cycled around the town before,” he added.

Cllr Burke said he was particularly concerned for pedestrians, parents with buggies, and elderly people, describing e-scooter users as a "dangerous weapon".

Cllr Richard Finn agreed that action was needed but noted that e-scooters are used by many people commuting to and from work, particularly those living in rural parts of the county.

“There are people out there on minimum wage who can’t afford any more than that to take them to and from work,” he said. “They might work a few miles outside the town, they can’t be expected to walk.” 

 Cllr Finn said adults who use e-scooters should be subject to the same regulations as other road users, but argued they should not be "deprived" of using them because laws are not being enforced against underage users.

Under the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024, e-scooters can only be used by people aged 16 and over. They are limited to a speed of 20km/h and are banned from being used on footpaths. Drivers cannot carry passengers, and they are not allowed on cycle or bus lanes, or on local, regional, or national roads.

Cllr Alma Gallagher said it was sad that it took the tragic death of Grace Lynch to renew calls for stricter enforcement of the law in relation to motorised scooters and bikes. The 16-year-old died in January after being struck by a scrambler bike in Finglas, Dublin. Following her death, legislation came into effect in April, banning scramblers and quad bikes from public places.

Cllr Gallagher said the discussion also highlighted the need to educate young people about the safe and legal use of e-scooters.

She noted that Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office and AXA Insurance host an annual Road Safety Roadshow for Transition Year students at the TF in Castlebar each year.

“It would be worthwhile not only to look at cars and road safety measures, but also to include e-scooters in that as well,” she said.

Agreeing with Cllr Finn, she said many of her constituents in Ballyhaunis rely on e-scooters to travel from outside the town to jobs in local factories. However, she said that many riders, particularly during the winter months, do not wear hi-vis jackets or use lights, highlighting the need for more education.

Cllr Damien Ryan said stronger enforcement was essential. He suggested e-scooters should only be sold to people who hold a permit, with each sale recorded so they cannot be resold to someone under the age of 16 without “implications”.

He also called for Mayo County Council's Road Safety team, An Garda Síochána, and retailers to work together on a public awareness campaign that targets zero tolerance for illegal use, encourages the use of hi-vis jackets and lights, and educates people on where e-scooters can and cannot be used.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.