Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy has welcomed decisions by major outlets to stop selling e-scooters that do not meet Irish rules, ahead of tighter safety measures.

Retailers are making the right call by withdrawing non-compliant models from sale, the Tipperary South TD said.

The chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee noted that LOCO Scooters is the fourth retailer to act, following similar moves by Smyths Toys, Amazon and AliExpress.

Murphy said: "This is exactly the type of retail responsibility we need to see. The rules on age limits and speed restrictions on e-scooters have been in place for some time now, so these decisions could have been made sooner. However, I'd rather see a company make the right call today than not make it at all," he said.

This week, Smyths Toys removed e-scooters aimed at children from its range, while LOCO Scooters confirmed it will display only road-legal models for general sale, with non-compliant versions available on request solely for use on private land. Murphy added: "It means a lot that Irish companies are showing this kind of initiative. Smyths Toys and LOCO Scooters are Irish businesses that clearly understand the responsibility that comes with selling these products."

He said LOCO Scooters had urged the wider industry to follow suit, a call he supports. Murphy said: "Every retailer selling e-scooters in this country should be following the example of these companies, and those acting now are making the right decisions."

From August, high-visibility clothing and helmets will be compulsory for all e-scooter users, and the current under-16s ban will be extended to include everyone under 18.

Later this year, new laws will place e-scooters under the same regime as other mechanically propelled vehicles, introducing licensing and registration requirements and banning sales to minors or of non-compliant models.

Government leaders have also agreed additional legal protections for Gardaí pursuing e-scooters and e-bikes, mirroring a system in the UK.