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E-scooters causing ‘unsafe behaviour on roads’, Limerick gardaí report

By Brídín Ní Fhearraigh-Joyce, Limerick Leader

'We are talking about broken bones, head injuries, permanent dental injuries', said Sergeant Michelle O'Halloran

Crime Prevention Officer and Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran has warned that e-scooters are causing massive issues on Limerick roads.

The sergeant said: “we’re seeing a big increase in injuries, near-misses, and really unsafe behaviour on the roads”.

“Under Irish law, anyone under the age of 16 is banned from using an e-scooter on a public road. The age restriction is not just a guideline; it’s the law”.

The garda continued: “Even at lower speeds children can be seriously injured. We are talking about broken bones, head injuries, permanent dental injuries.”

The requirements for legal e-scooters on the roads are a maximum speed of 20 km/hr, a maximum motor output of 400 watts and a maximum weight of 25 kilos.

The garda had the following advice for those using e-scooters legally:

Sergeant O’Halloran further added that “prevention is far better than cure” when it comes to reducing e-scooter accidents on the road.

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