E-scooters are an 'absolute blight' on Mayo streets

E-scooters have become an 'absolute blight' on the streets of Mayo according to a local councillor who has called for a crackdown on them.

Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan made the comments at the Roads and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee meeting where he called on An Garda Siochána to take action against 'reckless behavior'.

“We need a policy on e-scooter because they are going to become an absolute blight on the streets around the county,” the Ballinrobe based councillor told the meeting.

“There is reckless behaviour going on with them and maybe we need to bring An Garda Siochana to the SPC and if that is needed let's do that,” he added.

Since May 2024, e-scooters are legal on Irish roads and you must be 16 or over to use one. However you do not need a licence to ride one and an e-scooter does not have to be registered, taxed or insured. They also must meet technical requirements, including a maximum weight of 25 kilos or less and a maximum speed of 20 km per hour or less.

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In response to Cllr Ryan's comments, Conrad Harley, Head of Roads with Mayo County Council stated that the council along with other agencies meet with An Garda Siochána and he agreed to raise the matter at their next meeting.

“We meet quarterly on a road safety work group and we will raise this issue on e-scooters at the next working group and try to see what comes up and where we will go on it. I will raise it with An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority and see what they have to say and bring it back to the meeting,” he said.