Under-18s Can No Longer Ride E-Scooters as New Age Limit Takes Effect
From today, anyone under 18 can no longer legally ride an e-scooter in Ireland. Detention and storage fees for seized scooters have also doubled.
The minimum age for using an e-scooter in Ireland has risen from 16 to 18, with new regulations taking effect from today, 2 October 2026.
Fees for the detention and storage of seized e-scooters have also doubled from today. It now costs €80 for detention and the first day of storage, and €30 for each additional day of storage.
The changes follow regulations that made helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory for e-scooter users from 4 September 2026. Full details of the current rules are on the Road Safety Authority website.
The regulations were introduced in September by Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney.
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."
Following legal advice from the Attorney General's Office, the age limit increase was notified to the European Commission through the EU TRIS (Technical Regulation Information System) process. That process usually involves a 12-week standstill, 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, so the standard 12-week standstill period no longer applied.
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 increase to €100; Citizens Information notes this is up from €50. A new €100 Fixed Charge Notice offence will be introduced for not wearing a helmet or high-visibility clothing, and further work is being progressed on the registration of e-scooters.