E-scooter seized in Wicklow as gardaí await laws set to help with tackling dangerous use
The Wicklow PeopleNew legislation governing the use of e-scooters is set to give Wicklow gardaí a boost in tackling what they say is a growing problem involving young users.
At a recent sitting of Bray District Court, an application for a destruction order was made by An Garda Síochána for an e-scooter belonging to a local teenager.
The teen appeared in court with his father, where he told the court that the e-scooter had been given to him by a friend. He said that his friend had purchased the scooter online.
Inspector Colm Corrigan explained to the teenager that he must have proof of ownership of the scooter, but that under the new legislation he must also be over the age of 18 to own the scooter.
Local gardaí have previously said they have struggled to combat the issue as new legislation and potential further changes could give them greater powers to tackle the problem.
Judge Mary McAveety adjourned the matter until December 8 to allow time for the registered owner of the e-scooter to make an application.
As of September 4, new regulations state that e-scooter users must wear helmets and high-visibility clothing.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien also recently confirmed that the minimum age for using an e-scooter will be increased from 16 to 18.
Senior Wicklow gardaí have said that the new regulations will help combat users involved in collisions.
“They go zero to full speed in an instant. If a young lad is using a bicycle, he can’t maintain the high speed, but an e-bike or scooter can.”
Sources pointed to speed and instability of the e-vehicles as reasons for collisions.
“Young lads think they are invincible,” a garda source said. “I tell them there is no press reset, start a new game. When you are done, you are done, but they aren’t wearing helmets.”
A report by Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) stated that e-scooters were the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in hospitals.