E-Scooter Law Update

Article correct as of 2 October 2026

From today, 2 October 2026, a person must be at least 18 to use an e-scooter in a public place in Ireland.

The previous minimum age was 16.

These new rules affect:

·       A 16- or 17-year-old who previously could lawfully use a compliant e-scooter can no longer do so in a public place.

·       The change applies even if the young person wears a helmet and high-vis clothing.

·       It applies to privately owned and rented e-scooters.

·       Doesn’t appear to be any exemption to protect a 16- or 17-year-old who bought a scooter while the previous law was in force.

Penalties

A breach of this law carries a fine of €50, although this is expected to rise to €100.

If this fine is not paid and the case proceeds to court, the fine can increase to €1,000.

Higher fines apply to repeat offenders.

No penalty points currently exist for this offence.