New Helmet and High-Vis Rules for E-Scooter Users Come Into Effect

E-scooter users in County Wexford and across the country must now wear helmets and high-visibility clothing under new regulations which have come into force today.

The existing rules remain in place, including a minimum age of 16 and a maximum permitted speed of 20 kilometres per hour for legal e-scooters on public roads.

E-scooters cannot be ridden on footpaths and users cannot carry passengers or use devices fitted with seats.

Garda JP Scallan from the Wexford-Wicklow Roads Policing Unit is urging users and parents to familiarise themselves with the regulations.

He told South East Radio that Gardaí recently seized e-scooters capable of speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour from children aged 12 and 14 in County Wexford.

The new safety measures follow growing concern over injuries involving e-scooters, with more than 1,000 children treated in emergency departments nationally for e-scooter-related injuries since 2021.

The Government is also planning to raise the minimum age for e-scooter use from 16 to 18, with that change expected to follow separately.