E-scooter safety: Ireland raises age limit as German fatalities rise

Ireland is implementing stricter e-scooter safety regulations, raising the minimum user age from 16 to 18 effective 2 October 2026. The Department of Transport introduced these measures to reduce serious injuries and fatalities among younger riders. In addition to the age limit, users must now wear approved safety helmets and high-visibility clothing.

New enforcement measures include doubled charges for detained and stored e-scooters, with fees set at €80 for the first day and €30 for each subsequent day. Planned penalties also include a €100 Fixed Charge Notice for various e-scooter offences.

In Germany, recent statistics from the first half of 2026 show a concerning trend regarding e-scooter safety. While overall traffic fatalities in Germany decreased by 9 percent to 1,233, deaths involving e-scooter users rose significantly. There were 28 e-scooter fatalities reported, an increase of 13 compared to the same period in 2025. Data from the Federal Statistical Office indicates that injuries and fatalities among children and adolescents also rose, with 15- to 17-year-olds seeing a 70 percent increase in e-scooter-related accidents.