Wexford Garda urges parents to keep under-16s off e-scooters

A Wexford Garda is urging parents to stop children under the age of 16 from using e-scooters, as the Taoiseach says he is leaning towards a total ban on the vehicles in Ireland.

The comments come amid growing concern over e-scooter safety and criticism that the recently introduced ban on scrambler bikes in public places is not being adequately enforced.

The parents of 16-year-old Grace Lynch, who died following an e-scooter collision in Dublin earlier this year, are due to appear before the Oireachtas Justice Committee as calls for tighter regulation continue.

Speaking on Morning Mix earlier today, Garda Aidan Miley urged parents to take action.

"I'd urge parents of children who have these e-scooters to stop them from using them if they're under the age of 16. There are serious injuries, and there are people ending up in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire with very, very serious injuries. I'd urge parents to take them off their children if they are under the age of 16 and have access."

Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government is considering all available options, including a total ban on e-scooters, in an effort to improve public safety.