The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is to carry out research into how electric powered scooters are regulated in other countries following a sharp increase in their use in Ireland. Most of the scooters are powered by rechargeable electric motors and are programmed not to exceed speeds of 26km/h. Sales of motorised and electric scooters topped 100,000 in France last year. However, as recently as Christmas electric scooters were not viewed as an issue by the department or the RSA. In December, The Irish Times submitted a Freedom of Information request to both the RSA and the department seeking records on any discussions or correspondence in relation to electric scooters, electric skateboards, unicycles, and bicycles with electric or petrol-powered drives.

Source: The Irish Times February 25, 2019 13:41 UTC