The Fianna Fáil Bill removes the requirement for e-scooters and e-bikes to be taxed and insured by altering the definition of mechanically propelled vehicles.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Fianna Fáil representative Marc Mac Sharry TD has urged the government to adopt the Bill to bring clarity to the "legal limbo".
"As it stands, e-scooter users should have insurance, road tax and a driving licence, with penalties under road traffic laws, including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle, for not being in compliance with these requirements. Despite this, it is currently not possible to tax or insure e-scooters, so they are essentially illegal on Irish roads," Deputy Mac Sharry commented.
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"The reality is that e-scooters will be used, especially among young people. They offer a green alternative to commuters making short journeys around the city and suburbs. E-scooters have the potential to reduce congestion and emissions.
"Our Bill will expand the remit of the Road Safety Authority to make recommendations regarding the safe use of e-scooters. Furthermore, it empowers the Minister for Transport to make any necessary regulations. To date Minister Ross has failed in his duty to all road users, leaving scooter users in a legal limbo, Gardaí with unenforceable obligations and pedestrians at risk."
(CM/JG)
