New Government safety proposals for e-scooters have been welcomed by Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy as a necessary move to reduce harm, with tougher rules on protective gear, age limits and future licensing requirements among the measures.

Deputy Michael Murphy, chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee said: "These measures represent a significant and necessary step forward, but an outright ban must remain firmly on the table if the issues around e-scooters aren't brought under control."

Government leaders have agreed the package with the Garda Commissioner, with the full set of measures due to go before Government next week. "This is decisive action from Government, and it's badly needed," he said. "The scale of Garda activity around e-scooters alone tells its own story."

According to the Garda Commissioner, 1,412 e-scooters have been seized so far this year, with 793 prosecutions for possession over the same period. Health data from Children's Health Ireland and the HSE indicates a worrying trend of serious injuries linked to e-scooters. More than one third of all paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions to CHI Temple Street in 2026 were e-scooter related.

"These figures involving children are stark, and every parent will understand why Government has moved on this," Deputy Murphy said.

From next month, all riders must wear helmets and high-visibility clothing, while the current prohibition on under-16s will be raised to cover anyone under 18.

Later in the year, legislation will align e-scooters with other mechanically propelled vehicles, introducing licensing and registration and prohibiting sales to minors or the sale of non-compliant devices.

Government leaders have also endorsed additional legal protections for Gardaí engaged in pursuits involving e-scooters and e-bikes, reflecting a similar approach used in the UK.

Deputy Murphy concluded by saying, "An outright ban remains on the table, and rightly so. Government will not hesitate to go further if that's what is needed to keep people safe on our roads."