Checks on bike, e-scooter users to be stepped up

Police on Monday launched week-long awareness campaign for e-scooter and bicycle users.

The campaign will include increased checks, they said.

“Members of the police will provide information to the public about the risks involved from the non-application of the relevant legislation,” the force said in an announcement.

The campaign will last until Sunday.

Under new regulations that came into force this year, e-scooters are only permitted in designated spaces.

Only those aged 14 and older are allowed to ride an e-scooter and if it allows for another passenger, the second individual should be above the age of 12.

There is a mandatory requirement to use a helmet as well as clothing with fluorescent indicators. At the very least, the e-scooter should have brakes, lights at the back and front, as well as a bell, the transport ministry said.

Additionally, the maximum speed should be at 20km/h. When riding in a square or on the pavement, the speed should not go higher than 10km/h. Priority should always be giving to pedestrians.

Use of an e-scooter in a square or pedestrian area is only permitted if there is an indicative horizontal or vertical signpost, the transport ministry specified.

Municipalities or communities carry out an assessment on the impact on road safety, particularly for pedestrians. If authorities determine it is safe enough to allow e-scooters, signposts will be placed accordingly for both their use and parking.

Published in the government gazette on December 30, the law details e-scooters can be used on roads that have a maximum speed limit of 30km/h, cycling lanes or paths permitted for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

In addition, cyclists now face a €50 spot fine for not wearing a helmet but this can rise to €500 if the issue ends up in court.

Four cyclists and one e-scooter user died last year on the roads, none of whom were wearing helmets.