E-scooter users could face €100 fine

NOT wearing a helmet or high visibility clothing while riding an e-scooter will now incur a fine of €100.

The regulations came into effect from Friday, September 4, while further measures will also be introduced in the coming weeks to regulate the use of e-scooters and work to protect children from being hurt.

Figures from the North Western Region Headquarters in Galway city show that eight e-scooters were seized in the Galway Garda Division for the first quarter of 2026, along with one-bike and two quad bikes.

There were nine reported collisions involving e-scooters and other vehicles in the Galway Garda Division until July this year, six of which resulted in injuries to the e-scooter user.

More legislation coming into effect in the coming weeks will see the detention and storage fees for e-scooters doubling to €80 for the first day and €30 for each additional day.

The Fixed Charge Notices for all e-scooter offences will be increased to €100 while a similar Fixed Charge Notice for not wearing helmets and high-visibility clothing will be introduced.

“This is a key road safety measure in light of the increasing number of serious head injuries and fatalities associated with e-scooter usage,” said Minister Sean Canney.

He highlighted that the minimum age for an e-scooter user will be increased from 16 years to 18 years.

“Proposals regarding registration, insurance and driving licence requirements for e-scooters remain under consideration,” he continued.