Retailers showing example by removing non-compliant e-scooters – Murphy

Retailers are making the right decision by not selling e-scooters which don’t meet Irish regulations, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Michael Murphy, chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee says LOCO Scooters is the fourth retailer to make the decision following Smyths Toys, Amazon and AliExpress.

“This is exactly the type of retail responsibility we need to see. The rules on age limits and speed restrictions on e-scooters have been in place for some time now, so these decisions could have been made sooner. However, I’d rather see a company make the right call today than not make it at all,” he said.

Smyths Toys this week removed e-scooters from its range which are targeted towards children, while LOCO Scooters confirmed today it will only sell road-legal scooters on general display, with non-compliant models available by request for private-land use.

“It means a lot that Irish companies are showing this kind of initiative. Smyths Toys and LOCO Scooters are Irish businesses that clearly understand the responsibility that comes with selling these products.”

Deputy Murphy noted that LOCO Scooters has called on the rest of the industry to follow suit, and he shares that view.

“Every retailer selling e-scooters in this country should be following the example of these companies, and those acting now are making the right decisions.”

From August, high-visibility clothing and helmets will be mandatory for all e-scooter users, and the existing under-16s ban will be extended to include all those under the age of 18.

Later this year, legislation will bring e-scooters under the same regime as other mechanically propelled vehicles, requiring licensing and registration, and stopping the sale to minors or of non-compliant e-scooters.

Further legal protections for Gardaí pursuing e-scooters and e-bikes, mirroring a similar system in the UK, were also agreed by Government leaders this week.