Laois County Council should erect signage re-enforcing the message that e-scooters are not allowed to be use on paths.
That was the subject of a motion put forward in Laois County Council this week by Portarlington-based councillor Aidan Mullins.
Cllr Mullins was calling specifically in his motion to the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District that it apply to his local town of Portarlington – but that it should also be rolled out elsewhere.
A response from Paul McLoughlin, a senior engineer in Laois County Council, said that “the use of scooters is not yet legal on any part of a public road under Irish law” but EU regulations are expected later this year.
Only following the introduction of the technical specification of E Scooters, will appropriate signage be installed.
“They don’t require tax, registration or insurance,” said Cllr Mullins, “and can only go to a max speed of 25 km/h or else they are deemed mopeds”.
“I know plenty of them go much faster than that. I’ve seen kids as young as 11 or 12 on them.
“There is no enforcement and that doesn’t make sense. The council have put up signs to say it’s illegal to cycle on footpaths but these are illegal on paths and roads.”
Cllr Mullins was supported by Cllr Aisling Moran and Cllr PJ Kelly.
“They are way too dangerous,” said Cllr Moran. “There have been a huge number of head injuries and enforcement is the issue.”
“I witnessed an electric scooter with two adults and a child on one,” said Cllr PJ Kelly.
“I want to complement Aidan on his motion. This is serious stuff.”
SEE ALSO – Check out more stories from the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District here
