Mandatory Helmets and Hi-Vis Jackets Agreed for E-Scooters After Rise in Child Injuries
Mandatory helmets and hi-vis jackets for e-scooters agreed by Government after sharp rise in child brain injury admissions. Under-18 ban to extend from August.
A meeting of Government ministers on e-scooters has resulted in agreement on a series of new safety measures, including mandatory helmets and high-visibility jackets, after new data revealed a sharp rise in serious injuries to children.
In a statement dated 20 July 2026 following a meeting of Government ministers on e-scooters, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister Canney agreed a series of proposals with Minister O'Callaghan and the Garda Commissioner. The proposals will be brought to Government by Ministers O'Brien and Canney next week.
The Garda Commissioner told the meeting there has been a significant increase in Garda operations connected to e-scooters. So far this year, 1,412 e-scooters have been seized and there have been 793 prosecutions for possession of e-scooters.
The meeting also considered initial data from Children's Health Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, which points to a concerning pattern of serious and life-changing injuries caused by e-scooters.
More than one-third of all paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions to CHI at Temple Street in 2026 were related to e-scooters. Admissions for traumatic brain injuries from e-scooter accidents have increased by 50% in the last 12 months.
CHI estimates that one to two children a day are presenting across emergency departments this summer with e-scooter injuries. A full report is due at the end of July.
It was agreed that high-visibility jackets and helmets will become mandatory for all e-scooter use, and the ban will be extended to under-18s. This will take effect in August.
Later this year, legislation will be introduced to treat e-scooters in the same way as other mechanically propelled vehicles, requiring licensing and registration. This will also prohibit the sale of scooters to minors and the sale of scooters that do not meet the legal requirements for use on public roads.
An outright ban remains on the table.
It was further agreed that additional protections will be provided to members of An Garda Síochána, mirroring the system in the UK. This would give greater legal protections to gardaí when pursuing e-scooters and e-bikes.
