A new law raising the minimum age for e-scooter users in Ireland has officially come into effect.
From today 2nd October 2026, anyone under the age of 18 is no longer permitted to use an e-scooter in a public place. The minimum age had previously been 16.
The change was introduced by Minister for Transport Mr Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Mr Seán Canney as part of a series of measures aimed at improving safety for e-scooter users and other road users.
According to the Road Safety Authority, e-scooters became legal on Irish public roads in May 2024, subject to a range of conditions. The latest age restriction means 16 and 17 year-olds who were previously allowed to ride compliant e-scooters can no longer do so on public roads or in other public places.
The age change follows new safety requirements introduced on September 4th 2026. E-scooter riders must now wear a securely fastened helmet as well as high- visibility clothing covering at least the front and back of the torso.
Other rules remain in place. E-scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 20km/h, and riders must follow the rules of the road applying to cyclists. They may use cycle lanes, bus lanes and local, regional and national roads, but they are prohibited from footpaths, pedestrianised areas and motorways.
Riders are also prohibited from carrying passengers or goods and from holding or using a mobile phone while travelling. E-scooters must have working brakes, lights, reflectors and a bell or other audible warning device.
The new minimum-age requirement represents another significant tightening of Ireland’s rules governing the use of e-scooters.
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