North Tipp Cllr highlights problem of 'dangerous e-scooters'

A North Tipperary County Councillor highlighted the problem of “dangerous e-scooters” during a recent Nenagh Municipal District meeting.

Cllr JP O'Meara told the meeting that he was driving in Nenagh town recently when he was nearly struck by an e-scooter. “The scooter and its driver suddenly came around a corner. It was quiet and fast and it narrowly missed me. I had to brake hard. It was night-time, dark, and the driver had a young child standing on the scooter with him.”

The Councillor said e-scooters had been given too much latitude in our society over the last number of years and stricter regulations should be brought in. “They should have to wear a hi-vis jacket; and they should have to wear helmets. It's good that people under 16 are not allowed on them but, as my experience shows, this rule is sometimes broken. I'll be bringing this matter to the full plenary meeting of Tipperary County Council during its January meeting.”

E-scooters became legal on public roads from May 2024, requiring users to be 16+, follow cyclist rules (no footpaths, obey signs/lights), stick to <20 km/h, and meet technical specs (max 25kg, lights, brakes). No license or insurance is needed, but riders must obey all road rules like motorists. New discussions are taking place at the moment about mandatory helmets and hi-vis gear, though these aren't law yet.