Outright ban must be an option in e-scooter clampdown, says Kilkenny TD 

Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has called for a major strengthening of Ireland's approach to e-scooter safety – including the possibility of an outright ban on e-scooters if necessary.

The Carlow-Kilkenny TD said its time to take decisive action to prevent further deaths and serious injuries and called for the introduction of mandatory registration, insurance and taxation for privately owned e-scooters, similar to the requirements that already apply to other vehicles. She has spoken to Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien about the urgency now needed to clamp down on e-scooters, particularly in light of a series of tragic incidents in Carlow, Kilkenny, and across the country.

"The time has come to get tough on e-scooters. We cannot continue to stand idly by while families are devastated by fatal collisions and while others are left with life-changing injuries, including catastrophic brain injuries,” she said.

“I am particularly conscious of the tragic incidents that have been reported in Carlow in recent days, including the loss of a young life and another serious collision involving an e-scooter. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all those who have lost loved ones and with everyone who has suffered serious injuries as a result of e-scooter collisions,” she said.

“I am also deeply concerned by recent warnings from consultants at Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street regarding the number and severity of e-scooter-related injuries presenting at emergency departments and intensive care.

The TD said she supported examining every available measure to improve public safety, including the possibility of an outright ban on e-scooters, if that is ultimately found to be necessary.

"Nothing should be off the table. If stronger regulation proves insufficient, then we must be prepared to consider an outright ban on these devices on our roads,” she said.

“I have discussed the matter with the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to examine further safety measures, including requiring owners of e-scooters to register, insure and tax these vehicles, bringing them into line with other road users who already have legal responsibilities. There must also be far stronger enforcement of existing legislation.

“It is already illegal for children under the age of 16 to use e-scooters on public roads, yet enforcement remains a significant challenge. The law must be rigorously applied to protect young people and all road users."

Figures show that more than 400 children attended Children's Health Ireland emergency departments during 2025 with injuries associated with e-scooter use.