Concern over ‘extraordinary’ e-scooter speeds in Galway as new laws take effect

E-scooter users are travelling at “extraordinary speeds” and posing a danger to the public, according to Leas-Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Michael Regan (FF) as new laws come into force.

Published 30th Sep 2026, 13:05 BST Iconic E-scooter users are travelling at “extraordinary speeds” and posing a danger to the public, according to Leas-Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Michael Regan (FF) as new laws come into force. The warning comes as the minimum age for using an e-scooter increases to 18 on October 2, 2026. An RSA survey cited in the new Galway City and County Road Safety Strategy found e-scooters were perceived as the most dangerous form of transport in Ireland, ahead of motorcycles.

Cllr Regan said a number of accidents, including serious incidents, involving e-scooters in recent months had heightened concerns about their use.

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“Over the last number of months we have seen numerous and serious accidents due to e-scooters,” he said.

“People are not driving them at a slow pace, they are driving at extraordinary speeds.

“Not alone are they a danger to themselves, they are a danger to the public.”

Gardai masterplan to cut Galway road deaths E-scooters, e-bikes and scramblers are among the issues addressed in the Galway City and County Road Safety Strategy 2026-2030.

The strategy acknowledges that e-scooters and e-bikes offer a sustainable and convenient way to travel, particularly in urban areas, but stresses that safety must come first.

Under current rules, e-scooter users are subject to a maximum speed limit of 20km/h.

They can use cycle and bus lanes and travel on local, regional and national roads, but are prohibited from using footpaths, pedestrian areas and motorways.

E-scooter drivers cannot hold or use a mobile phone while travelling, carry passengers or goods, or use an e-scooter fitted with a seat.

They must wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing, and the minimum age increases to 18 on October 2, 2026.

The strategy states that An Garda Síochána is continuing a proactive approach including targeted patrols, checkpoints and intelligence-led operations.

Not alone are they a danger to themselves, they are a danger to the public

Recent enforcement operations in Galway City have demonstrated the speeds some of the vehicles are capable of reaching.

In one targeted operation, seven e-scooters were seized, including one from an 11-year-old.

One scooter tested by Gardaí on a dynamometer was capable of travelling at 74km/h, despite the 20km/h limit.

More recently, Salthill Gardaí seized two e-scooters and an electric motorbike from teenagers aged 14 and 15 in Knocknacarra. Gardaí said one of the scooters was capable of 82km/h.