Huge hike in e-scooter seizures welcomed by Offaly TD

Garda authorities have confirmed that they have seized 416 e-scooters far this year, representing a 117% increase on the 191 seized throughout 2024.

The information was provided following parliamentary questions from Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan on foot of an increasing number of complaints about dangerous e-scooter use on footpaths and roads within her constituency.

Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, told Deputy Nolan that gardaí now have significant legislative powers to combat anti-social and dangerous use of mopeds and electric motorbikes including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997.

He noted however that it was not possible to generate a return from the garda PULSE system which could contain a breakdown of the reasons for seizures under individual legislation:

“I am delighted to see that the numbers of e-scooter seizures have risen dramatically in the last year, especially given the scale of the problem for local communities” said Deputy Nolan, who reiterated the need for more resourcing of gardai to combat the problem.

"There should be a zero-tolerance approach to anyone driving at speed at a footpath. That is just common sense enforcement and an approach that I wholeheartedly endorse,” concluded Deputy Nolan.