E-Scooters - A Drive Towards Sustainability, But At What Cost?

Introduction

As Ireland accelerates towards more sustainable modes of urban mobility, e-scooters and e-bikes are becoming an increasingly common feature of its city streets. These forms of micro mobility offer an efficient, low-emission alternative to private cars, presenting a promising avenue for advancing the nation's sustainable transport objectives as set out in the 2021 Climate Action Plan. The growing popularity reflects the strong public appetite for cleaner, more flexible travel options, however - research from the Road Safety Authority published in May 2025 revealed e-scooters were now perceived as the most dangerous form of transport in Ireland, surpassing motorcycles in terms of perceived risk. These risks have exposed the need for updated legal framework and greater regulatory clarity to ensure public safety.