News & Info

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are now a familiar sight in Irish towns and cities and continue to increase in popularity. They can be a convenient and low-cost way to get around, and a greener alternative to cars.

A Road Safety Authority (RSA) survey in May 2025 found that 5% of adults aged 16 and over in Ireland had used an e-scooter in the past 12 months, with 4% using e-scooters at least once a month.¹

However, like cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, e-scooter riders are vulnerable road users. Because of scooters’ small wheels, lightweight frames, and general lack of protection, even minor e-scooter accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures or head trauma.

The RSA figures show that among regular users, nearly one in four have been involved in a collision and about one in three reported experiencing a ‘near miss’ incident.

Given the prevalence of accidents, it is concerning that only 60% of those surveyed said they wear helmets. About 66% said they use some kind of reflective or high-visibility clothing when using their e-scooter.

Safety tips for e-scooter users

Here are some practical steps to help reduce accidents and injuries:

1. Always wear a helmet
   Even though helmets are not yet mandatory, wearing a good quality helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury in an accident.
2. Use reflective or high-visibility clothing and lights
   Especially in low light, rain, or at dusk and dawn. Make sure you have reflectors, as well as front and rear lights, and that they are working.
3. Know and obey the law
   – The regulations² for e-scooters changed on 20 May 2024. E-scooter users must now be 16 or older, and obey a 20 km/h speed limit.
   – Remember that it is illegal to ride on footpaths and to carry passengers.
   – The e-scooter must have a bell or other audible warning device, lights, brakes and reflectors.
   – E-scooter riders must obey all road signs, traffic lights and behave like a cyclist in rules of the road.
4. Stay aware; avoid distractions
   Don’t use a phone while riding, avoid wearing headphones (or anything that limits hearing), and watch for any hazards such as potholes, tram tracks, wet leaves, or obstacles on the road
5. Maintain your scooter
   Regularly check brakes, tyres, steering, lights. If anything is damaged, get it fixed as soon as you can. An unsafe scooter can increase the risk of accidents.
6. Plan safe routes
   Where possible, use cycle lanes or quieter roads. Avoid busy traffic or high-speed roads, poor lighting, or roads with poor surfaces.

What to do if you are injured

If you are involved in an e-scooter accident:

• Seek medical help immediately, even if your injuries initially seem to be minor.
• Report the incident to the Gardaí if another road user was involved.
• Document everything. Take photos of:
  • the scene of the accident
  • the insurance disc and registration details of any vehicles involved
  • any damage to your scooter, and
  • any injuries you have incurred.

• Take note of the contact information of anyone else involved, or witnesses to the accident.
• Keep receipts or evidence of all medical treatment, travel costs, lost earnings, etc.
• Talk to a solicitor experienced in personal injury law. If the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, or any lost income, etc.

By following the rules of the road, using protective gear, staying visible and keeping your scooter maintained, you can greatly reduce risk to yourself and others.

If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident and need advice about making a compensation claim for your injuries, we may be able to help. Contact us and tell us about your case today.

Sources:

1 New Research Highlights Current E-Scooter Usage and Safety Concerns

2 E-scooters