Gardaí have impounded nine electric scooters in Dublin City Centre following a targeted operation by Roads Policing officers using advanced dynamometer technology.
The operation, carried out earlier today, focused on ensuring e-scooters complied with legal safety standards, particularly in terms of speed and power output.
According to Gardaí, several scooters were found to exceed the legal limits for electric personal transporters, prompting immediate seizure under road traffic legislation.
The newly deployed dynamometer—a device typically used to test engine performance—enabled officers to measure the scooters’ actual power and speed capacity with precision.
Officials confirmed that violations included speeds over legal thresholds and power outputs beyond what is permitted for public use, raising concerns about safety for riders and pedestrians alike.
A Garda spokesperson stated: “E-scooters remain a popular mode of transport, but users must ensure their vehicles meet legal requirements. Today’s checks are about ensuring safety on our streets.”
The crackdown comes amid growing public debate over the regulation of electric scooters, with some calling for stricter enforcement to address rogue users operating powerful machines on pavements and in cycle lanes.
In Ireland, e-scooters are subject to specific technical and usage conditions. Devices with a maximum rated power output exceeding 250 watts or capable of speeds over 25 km/h are currently not permitted for use on public roads without registration and insurance.
The Gardaí emphasised that impounded scooters will be held pending further investigations, and owners may face fines or prosecution if found in breach of traffic laws.
This marks the first major outing of the dynamometer in an urban setting since Gardaí announced the introduction of the tool to help enforce e-scooter compliance earlier this year.
Members of the public are urged to check their scooters’ technical specifications and ensure they are in line with upcoming changes to Irish legislation governing micro-mobility vehicles.
As new transport habits continue to emerge across Ireland, authorities have pledged to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring safety remains a top priority.
