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Legislation made in May now allows for E-Scooters to be used legally south of the border. E-scooters are now allowed in cycle or bus lanes and on local, regional or national roads across the border.
With that in mind is it time Newry and NI followed suit? From 20 May 2024 E-Scooters will be regarded in a similar way to bicycles and can travel on roads south of the border.
Despite it being illegal here currently many people still use the scooters on footpaths and roads. In fact everyone from workers to schoolchildren are seen using them daily. E-Scooters are incredibly convenient for travelling short to medium distances and many shops locally now sell them with prices from £250 upwards. Another benefit is that when you reach your journeys end you can just fold it up and take it into the office with you - No need to worry about expensive car parking!
Many people seem to have a great hatred of them in a similar way to the reaction of some motorists to cyclists. It would seem though that this is more because of the way some people operate them rather than the mode of transport itself. Regardless of this if just 100 people used them for their short journeys into Newry City Centre instead of a car it would have the potential to help ease our much talked about traffic congestion.
In Northern Ireland, e-scooters are not defined in law and as such they must be regarded as falling under the definition of a motor vehicle. Consequently the use of e-scooters on public roads and public spaces is illegal since they do not meet the prescribed construction and use, licensing, registration, insurance and other requirements that apply in legislation here to motor vehicles.
Results from a pilot project carried out in GB may wall influence the Department for the Environment Minister here with DfI quoted as saying "Once the analysis of the GB pilots is available, the Minister for Infrastructure will carefully consider the outcomes to help inform a decision about the potential use of e-scooters and their legal position here. It will be important for the Minister to consider the potential
environmental and health benefits that these types of vehicles can deliver while also being very mindful of the safety implications their use may have for both the rider and the wider public."
Legislation in Ireland from 20 May states that riders must:
Be 16 years or older, Obey a speed limit of 20km/h. Drive on the left. Have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes on their e-scooter and it must be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times.
They must also obey signals given by a Garda or school warden and follow the same rules of the road that apply to cyclists, including traffic lights, road signs, and all types of pedestrian crossings.
E-scooter users must NOT:
Use footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways. Hold or use a mobile phone. Have a seat on their e-scooter. Carry passengers or goods.
Interesting times ahead but I don't think I'll be getting rid of the bike just yet. Change does move rather slowly here ...
