Mayo councillor hits out at e-scooters on footpaths

THERE are going to be accidents and fatalities due to e-scooters travelling on footpaths and walkways, a Mayo councillor has warned.

Young teens are being handed a 'dangerous weapon', Councillor Michael Burke told a Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting ahead of leaving the office of cathaoirleach at the end of his 12-month term.

A woman had come to him who was hit and fell but the e-scooter kept going. Another colleague told of pulling back a woman emerging from a pharmacy or she would have been hit.

They are hopping on footpaths in town, some with no helmets and travelling at speed, the Ballinrobe councillor said, and while there have been deaths in the last number of months, he hated to predict it but there will be many more.

The parent that gives a child of 12 or 13 an e-scooter has, to him, a big question to answer. What are they thinking that this person can go around doing 30 or 40 kph on two little wheels when they have no experience of being on the road. Some of them haven't even cycled around town.

And there is also a situation where there are a few motor propelled bikes, and he reported one case to the gardaí recently.

“There is going to be accidents and fatalities. They are a dangerous weapon. It's like giving a child a motorcar, but this thing is only on two wheels and it is capable of pretty high speeds.”

The question of bringing in bylaws was raised by Councillor Gerry Murray who recalled an incident he experienced coming out a door recently.

The main issue is the footpaths and age limits, Councillor Richard Finn commented, who said they are an essential mode of transport for many people over 18 for going to work. They cannot be deprived because of legislation not being in place for people under age.

He agreed there are serious issues with e-scooters on footpaths and it has to be tackled, with national legislation introduced.

Age limits and education need to be looked at, Councillor Alma Gallagher commented, saying it should be part of the transition year road safety show held annually. There should also be council signage so young people know they are not allowed on footpaths.

Enhanced legislation, enforcement and education were essential, said Councillor Damien Ryan, and perhaps when sold there should be a permit, so if sold on to a minor there would be implications.

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