Former Garda Superintendent warns e-scooter crackdown will fail without enforcement

A former senior Garda has warned that new restrictions on e-scooters will make little difference unless Gardaí are given the resources and equipment required to enforce them.

Retired Wexford Garda Superintendent Denis Whelan says legislation must be accompanied by visible enforcement targeting underage riders, dangerous footpath use and illegally modified scooters capable of travelling far beyond the permitted speed limit.

The Government has stopped short of introducing an outright ban but has announced plans to raise the minimum age for riding an e-scooter from 16 to 18.

Under the proposed measures, riders will also be required to hold a licence and wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing. Registration requirements are also expected to be introduced, while the sale of e-scooters capable of exceeding the legal limit of 20 kilometres per hour will be prohibited.

Mr Whelan said powerful machines purchased online are among the most serious concerns, with some capable of reaching speeds similar to mopeds or motorcycles.

He believes greater responsibility must also be placed on retailers and parents to ensure illegal scooters are not being purchased for children.

The Government’s intervention follows alarming figures from Children’s Health Ireland showing a 50 percent increase in young people admitted with traumatic brain injuries following e-scooter incidents.

Eighteen children were admitted to CHI Temple Street with brain injuries between June 2025 and May 2026, compared with 12 during the previous 12 months. At least seven further cases have been recorded since May

Earlier this month, six children were placed on life support over a two-week period following e-scooter crashes. Temple Street doctors described the rate of serious injuries as an “epidemic” and called for a complete ban

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has also said he would support an outright ban. He told an Oireachtas committee that e-scooters were being used to facilitate drug dealing and intimidation, while dangerous and irresponsible riding had become widespread.

Current rules prohibit e-scooters from footpaths and pedestrianised areas, carrying passengers or travelling faster than 20 kilometres per hour. 

Denis Whelan says Gardaí must have sufficient personnel, roadside testing equipment and clear seizure powers, while a major public-awareness campaign is needed to ensure riders, retailers and parents understand their responsibilities.

The Government says a full ban remains under consideration and the effectiveness of the new measures will be reviewed.