E-scooters are a ‘lethal weapon’ on footpaths
A "serious accident" is going to happen if e-scooter laws are not heeded and enforced. That was the stark warning issued during a debate at the March meeting of Cavan County Council.
Cllr Niamh Brady (FG) raised the issue asking that the “hazard of scooters on footpaths in towns in Co Cavan” be discussed.
“I have received a lot of complaints from older people and those with disabilities about scooters on footpaths,” explained Cllr Brady.
She revealed how one man, who had a disability, described to her how he walked out his front door and an e-scooter “whizzed past him”.
“E-scooters are not supposed to be used on footpaths and those using them are required to wear hi-viz vests. Just 245 fines have been issued and, really what needs to happen here, is that the law be enforced. Could Cavan County Council erect signs indicating that e-cooters can’t be used on footpaths?”
Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) pointed out that, while the laws in respect of e-scooters have changed, something needs to be done to highlight this to users so they are obeying the rules of the road, “the same as everyone else”.
“What about targeting the people who sell them?,” he quizzed. "Perhaps an ad campaign might work.”
Fianna Fáil's Patricia Walsh added: “I know that last week, a child no more that six years' old was on an e-scooter with no hi-viz vest or helmet. A serious accident is going to happen and they are a danger on footpaths.”
Fireman, Cllr Damien Brady (SF) told those gathered that he has been on the scene of two accidents involving e-scooters - one, where a user was hit by a car; the other, where the scooter veered off the footpath and “straight into oncoming traffic”.
“They are lethal, especially on the footpath,” he continued.
“The speed those e-scooters can do is unreal and certainly the footpath isn’t the place for them. They are a lethal weapon on footpaths and will knock down any man, woman or child."
The executive of the council agreed to call for the rules to be better highlighted and enforced.