Gardaí have seized e-scooters and bikes from children in Cork as part of a major crackdown.
This comes ahead of new restrictions that are set to take effect next month. Government leaders have recently agreed to a ban on e-scooters for people under the age of 18.
Gardaí from the Northside Community Engagement team are currently undertaking an operation to prevent the illegal use of "Personal Powered Transporters. They are enforcing the rules by seizing e-scooters and scramblers from anyone using them dangerously.
Officials are encouraging people to report concerns in their communities.
In a statement last night, An Garda Síochána Cork stated that the operation is "aimed at keeping our roads and communities safe."
"At these speeds, the potential for serious injury or loss of life is significant, particularly where young people are involved. We are appealing to parents and guardians to carefully consider the risks before allowing children to use powered vehicles. High-powered e-scooters and scramblers are not toys and are not suitable for use by children. Parents and guardians should also be aware that allowing children to use these vehicles can place them and other road users at serious risk," a spokesperson said via CorkBeo.
"Gardaí will continue to take enforcement action where powered vehicles are being used dangerously or unlawfully. Our priority remains protecting the safety of everyone in our community. Thank you to the members of the public who continue to report concerns and support our efforts to keep our communities safe," they continued.
Since 2024, it has been illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate an e-scooter. From August, the minimum age will increase to 18, with stricter regulations coming into effect. Users of e-scooters and bikes will be required to wear helmets and high-visibility clothing, as the scooters will be classified as mechanically propelled vehicles, meaning they will require registration and a licence to operate.
