New research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) highlights significant safety concerns surrounding e-scooter usage in Ireland, with these vehicles now perceived as the most dangerous form of transport in the country.
According to a national survey commissioned by the RSA and conducted by Ipsos B&A in October 2024, 5% of adults aged 16 and older have used an e-scooter in the past 12 months, with 4% classified as regular users, riding at least monthly.
The demographic profile of regular e-scooter users reveals a clear pattern. Three in five use them daily or weekly, 76% are male, 75% are under the age of 35, and 97% live in urban areas, with 65% residing in Dublin specifically.
Alarmingly, nearly one in four regular users (24%) reported having been involved in a collision, while one in three (32%) have experienced a near miss. All reported collisions involved male riders, reinforcing safety concerns about this predominantly young, male user base.
Dr John Cronin, Emergency Medicine Consultant at St Vincent’s Hospital and RSA board member, confirmed that these findings align with injuries being treated in emergency departments.
“E-scooters have quickly become a popular mode of transport, particularly in our cities, but with that popularity comes vulnerability,” said Dr Cronin. “I’ve seen just how frequent and serious the injuries can be when things go wrong, from broken bones to serious head trauma.”
The survey also revealed concerning behaviour patterns. One in three e-scooter users admitted to riding on footpaths, despite this being prohibited under new regulations due to the safety risk posed to pedestrians. Additionally, approximately one in ten users indicated they carry child passengers (13%) or adult passengers (8%).
On a more positive note, 60% of users reported wearing helmets, and 66% said they wear reflective gear when using an e-scooter.
Three in four users are aware that e-scooters are now legal to use on Irish roads, with strong public support for the laws introduced. However, there is public uncertainty regarding enforcement, although regular users consider it likely they would face consequences if breaking these laws.
The new 20km/h speed limit has divided opinion. Half of all respondents think it is appropriate, compared to just 35% of regular users. Conversely, over one-third (36%) of all respondents believe the speed limit is “too high”, compared to 30% of regular e-scooter users.
Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships & External Affairs with the RSA, emphasised the balance between convenience and safety:
“E-scooters offer a sustainable and convenient way to travel, especially in urban settings, but safety must come first.”
The nationally representative survey comprised 1,254 participants, with an additional booster sample of 254 e-scooter users under 35 years living in urban areas.
The full RSA commissioned national survey on e-scooter users 2024 is available on the RSA website.