Ireland debates e‑scooter ban and police protection measures

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he wants legislation that gives Gardaí specific legal protections when pursuing e‑scooter and e‑bike riders, pointing to a UK model that shields police in pursuit situations. He noted that current pursuit training is limited to specialist units and that resource constraints will delay broader training until next year. Meanwhile, the Dublin Commuter Coalition described proposals for a total e‑scooter ban as “farcical”, arguing it would push thousands back into cars. The coalition highlighted a Children’s Health Ireland report showing a 50 % yearly rise in hospital admissions for traumatic brain injuries from e‑scooter crashes and daily emergency department visits. Government officials including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly have voiced support for a ban, while Tánaiste Simon Harris said he will keep an “open mind” but questioned its legality. Existing regulations require users to be at least 16 years old and limit speed to 20 km/h, but the coalition says retailers often sell higher‑powered models and that under‑resourcing of the Road Policing Unit hampers enforcement.