Irish local authorities can now issue licenses for electric scooter sharing schemes, enabling people to rent a scooter on the street and drop it off at their destination, following the legalisation of these devices today.
The Department of Transport has confirmed that councils can establish licensing and contractual arrangements with rental companies in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
These shared mobility schemes align with government policy on climate action and sustainable transport, according to the Department of Transport.
While scooter-sharing schemes are widespread across Europe, Paris ended its five-year experiment last September, citing issues like street clutter, safety risks, and nuisance to pedestrians.
However, non-rental electric scooters remain legal in Paris.
Other cities like Oslo and Stockholm have also imposed restrictions on the number of scooters allowed on their streets due to safety concerns.
Oslo even implemented a night-time ban on scooter rentals in 2021 due to higher accident rates at night, though it is now considering reversing that decision.
The Department of Transport stated that the “number, nature, and composition” of any e-scooter scheme will be decided by local authorities and the NTA.
Limerick City Council has considered introducing a shared e-scooter scheme and is in ongoing discussions with the NTA.
Galway City Council plans to review the new regulations to determine if local bylaws are needed to ensure the safe operation of such schemes.
The NTA currently has no immediate plans for the rollout of shared e-scooter schemes. FREENOW, a taxi service operating in Ireland, welcomes the new legislation and hopes to integrate e-scooters for rental on their app in Ireland, as they do in other parts of Europe.
Electric scooters have been present on Irish roads for several years but were technically illegal until now. The new Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations, signed by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and published last Tuesday, set strict rules for e-scooters and their users.
Users under 16 are prohibited from using e-scooters in public places. The maximum speed for e-scooters is limited to 20 km per hour, and the maximum power output is capped at 400W.
Only one person is allowed per e-scooter. Additionally, all e-scooters must have front and rear lights and two independent braking systems to ensure safety if one system fails.
The Road Safety Authority has stated that e-scooter users must follow the same rules as cyclists and have the same rights as road users.
