Ireland adopts new e-scooter rules, bans sales to under-18s

The Irish government has decided against an immediate outright ban on electric scooters, opting instead for a comprehensive new regulatory framework focused on safety, age restrictions, and eventual licensing. The decision was finalized on July 20, 2026, following a meeting involving the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Justice, Minister of State for Transport Seán Canney, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly.

Key measures set to take effect in August include a mandatory requirement for all e-scooter users to wear high-visibility jackets and helmets. The existing ban on sales to those under 16 will be extended to under-18s. Later this year, the government plans to introduce legislation that will classify e-scooters as mechanically-propelled vehicles. This significant legal shift will mandate user licensing, registration, and a driving test, effectively prohibiting operation without a valid license. The legislation will also ban the sale of scooters that do not meet legal requirements for public roads, which limit their speed to 20 kilometers per hour.

Officials stated that while an outright ban was considered, it will remain a future option if the new stringent rules fail to...