Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney have signed regulations increasing the minimum legal age for e-scooter riders from 16 to 18. The measure takes effect on 2 October 2026.

At the same time, the government has doubled charges for the detention and storage of seized e-scooters. From 2 October, the fee will be €80 covering detention and the first day of storage, and €30 for each additional day.

These steps follow safety rules introduced on 4 September 2026 that make helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory for e-scooter users.

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, said: "Increasing the minimum age for e-scooter use to 18 is a necessary and proportionate road safety measure. We have seen a concerning number of serious injuries and fatalities involving young e-scooter users, and our regulations need to address this. Together with the recent introduction of mandatory helmets and high-visibility clothing, these changes send a clear message that e-scooters must be used responsibly and safely." Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney, added: "I am happy to have signed these regulations today. They are about protecting lives and preventing serious injuries. Raising the minimum age for e-scooter users to 18, alongside mandatory helmets and high-visibility clothing, will help to improve safety and encourage responsible behaviour on our roads."

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer, said: "Raising the minimum age for e-scooter use to 18, alongside the introduction of mandatory helmets and high-visibility clothing, is a sensible measure that will help protect road users and promote responsible use. Our focus is on ensuring that active and sustainable travel options can continue to grow in a way that is safe for everyone, whether in urban centres or rural communities."

Acting on legal advice from the Attorney General's Office, the proposed age change was notified to the European Commission through the EU TRIS process. While TRIS normally requires a 12-week standstill, Ireland requested the expedited Urgency Procedure due to significant road safety concerns linked to underage e-scooter use. The Commission accepted the case, removing the standstill and allowing the regulations to proceed now.

A wider package of e-scooter road safety measures was approved in July 2026. In the coming weeks, subject to the final legislative, administrative and technical steps, the government plans to:

- increase Fixed Charge Notice penalties for e-scooter offences to €100; and

- introduce a €100 Fixed Charge Notice for not wearing a helmet or high-visibility clothing while using an e-scooter.

Further work is also under way on e-scooter registration.