LIMERICK City and County Council have been urged to write to the Department of Transport calling for e-scooter or e-bike riders driving in public places to hold a valid theory test.
Responding to Independent councillor John O’Donoghue at May’s Adare-Rathkeale District meeting, the Council noted the concern for road safety, especially with the increasing use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
While encouraging better understanding of the rules of the road as a “positive step”, the Council executive was keen to raise a few points.
“Firstly, the enforcement of e-scooter/e-bike use behaviour in a public place is a matter for An Garda Síochána,” Kieran McDonnell, executive planner of the Council’s Transportation Mobility, explained.
“Secondly, the practicality of requiring all e-scooter and e-bike users to pass a theory test could present enforcement challenges, especially given the casual and spontaneous way many people use these modes of transport. It may also disproportionately affect those who rely on these affordable and sustainable options for commuting on short distance level,” Mr McDonnell said.
Representatives in the Adare-Rathkeale area were also informed that current legislation already treats many e-scooters as vehicles requiring insurance and licensing.
Mr McDonnell suggested the Council “could advocate for better education campaigns and clearer guidance from the Department of Transport”.
“We could support a motion that encourages the department to improve public awareness of the rules of the road for these vehicles, but would caution the introduction of regulatory burdens that may not be practical to implement.”
