Dubliners in Danger from e-scooters, councillors says

Dublin is facing a mounting crisis as high-powered e-scooters and e-mopeds (commonly referred to as “e-bikes”) continue to operate illegally on footpaths and pedestrian zones, posing severe risks to public safety according to Fine Gael councillors.

The Fine Gael Group on Dublin City Council has submitted an emergency motion for debate at the Council meeting on Monday, 1st September, demanding immediate action to address this escalating issue.

Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the situation:

• A hit-and-run involving a Surron-type e-moped in Tyrrelstown left a four-year-old girl seriously injured, suffering a skull fracture and swelling on the brain. The driver, aged 20, did not stop at the scene but was arrested shortly after.

• A man in his 30s died following a collision between his electric scooter and a car on the Old Navan Road on 3rd August 2025.

• A man in his 30s was seriously injured after being struck by a car while riding an e-scooter on Tonlegee Road in Donaghmede.

These incidents are not isolated. Residents across Dublin are voicing their concerns, with many reporting near-misses and unsafe riding practices. Local communities are demanding action to ensure their safety.

The Fine Gael Councillors have stated that local residents have told them that they are afraid to let their children walk to school or play outside because of reckless riders. One parent described a near-miss outside a local school where a speeding e-scooter almost hit a child. People are fed up and demanding action before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

Parents also have a key role to play in this crisis. Many are unaware that, as of May 2024, children under 16 are not legally permitted to ride high-powered e-scooters or e-mopeds. Fine Gael councillors are stressing that adult supervision and guidance are essential to prevent young riders from being placed in serious danger. Families need to understand that these vehicles are not toys. Reckless or unsupervised use can have catastrophic consequences for children and the wider public.

Cllr Danny Byrne, Fine Gael Councillor for the South East Inner City, said:

“Dublin’s streets are turning into dangerous playgrounds for reckless riders, and it is the most vulnerable, our children, our elderly, and ordinary pedestrians, who are paying the price. Every week we see high-powered e-scooters and e-mopeds racing along footpaths and cycle lanes, completely ignoring safety rules. One wrong move can be fatal. This is not just a nuisance, it is a ticking time bomb for public safety, and the Government and all relevant stakeholders must act immediately. If they fail to regulate and enforce against these vehicles, Dublin City Council will have no choice but to step in to protect our citizens before more lives are destroyed.”

Cllr Colm O’Rourke, Leader of the Fine Gael Group on Dublin City Council, added:

“E-scooters and e-mopeds, can be a fantastic way for people to get around our city, they are convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly, but only when people ride safely and responsibly. Unfortunately, illegal and reckless riders are putting themselves and others at serious risk. Licensing, registration, and insurance are essential measures to ensure accountability and safety. We are calling on national authorities to act swiftly, and we are also pushing for local bye-laws to make Dublin’s pedestrian areas safe. Dubliners deserve streets they can walk, cycle, and live on without fear of being hit by a speeding scooter or e-moped.”

The motion calls for:

• Full implementation and enforcement of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to ensure that high-powered e-scooters and e-mopeds are subject to licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

• A targeted enforcement blitz by An Garda Síochána, in partnership with Dublin City Council, to stop illegal use on footpaths and in pedestrian zones.

• Local bye-laws prohibiting the use of these vehicles on all footpaths and pedestrian areas, to be agreed by Councillors.

The Fine Gael councillors will present their emergency motion at the City Council meeting on 1st September, urging national and local authorities to act immediately. The public will be able to watch the debate via webcast at https://dublincity.public-i.tv/core/portal/home, and councillors are calling on residents to make their voices heard in support of stronger safety measures.