Ministers Introduce New Regulations Raising Minimum E-Scooter Age To 18

New regulations raising the minimum age for e-scooter use from 16 to 18 will take effect from 2 October 2026, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney have announced.

Ministers O'Brien and Canney have introduced the regulations. Fees for the detention and storage of seized e-scooters have also been doubled, also from 2 October 2026: €80 for detention and the first day of storage, and €30 for each additional day of storage.

The changes follow regulations making helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory for e-scooter users since 4 September 2026.

Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Transport:

"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."

Seán Canney, Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety:

"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."

Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport:

"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."

The age limit increase was notified to the European Commission through the EU TRIS (Technical Regulation Information System) process, following legal advice from the Attorney General's Office. This process usually involves a 12-week standstill period, but Ireland sought an expedited "Urgency Procedure", citing significant road safety concerns and the serious injuries associated with underage use of e-scooters. The Commission accepted Ireland's case and agreed that the Urgency Procedure was justified, meaning the standard 12-week standstill no longer applied, enabling Ministers to introduce the regulations at this stage.

Government approved a series of road safety measures for e-scooters in July 2026. Further measures will be introduced in the coming weeks, as the necessary legislative, administrative and technical changes are confirmed: charges for Fixed Charge Notices for e-scooter offences will rise to €100, a new €100 Fixed Charge Notice will apply for not wearing a helmet or high-visibility clothing, and further work is being progressed on e-scooter registration.