Illegal use of e-scooters will lead to fines, warn gardaí

E SCOOTER users and cyclists who use the footpath will be fined, Gardai in Donegal warned this week.

The warning comes after two pedestrians on the footpath were knocked down in Letterkenny at the weekend.

Sergeant Eunan Walsh warned that following the introduction of new legislation covering the use of e scooters and cycles, users should familiarise themselves with the law or possibly face fines.

“We have shared the new legislation on our Facebook page and e scooter users need to know they cannot use footpaths, they must use the road the same as other vehicles.

“Anyone caught using an e scooter on the footpath will be subject to a €50 fixed charge notice.

“It is the same for cyclists unless there is a designated cycle lane on the footpath,” Sgt Walsh stressed.

The new legislation which came into force in May states that e scooters drive on the left: be 16 years or older: obey all rules of the road, particularly for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings: Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden: Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights: Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists: Not carry passengers or goods: Not use the footpath: Obey a speed limit of 20km/h
and not use a mobile phone.

Sgt Walsh urged everyone to share roads and footpaths in a responsible manner so as to keep everybody safe.

He advised people to have a look at the rules of the road in relation to bikes and e-scooters via www.rsa.ie or at www.citizensinformation.ie

“It is of benefit to all road users to keep up to date with the legislation in relation to them,” he said.

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere