NCBI, Irish Wheelchair Association and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind have prepared a position paper to support members of the Oireachtas to have an informed debate on the upcoming Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021. The three organisations recognise that the use of e-scooters is more prevalent in our communities and welcomes the introduction of legislation to cover both shared schemes and private use. However, it is abundantly clear that there are amendments required within the legislation to ensure the safety of disabled pedestrians and those with limited mobility.
Currently, the Bill has passed the second stage of Dáil Éireann, and can be viewed by clicking here.
The Position Paper submitted by NCBI, IWA and IGDB sets out a number of concerns and proposed solutions such as:
Under no circumstances should e-scooters be permitted for usage on footpaths. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 must expressly prohibit the use of e-scooters on footpaths and include such usage as an offence. At the time of publishing this report, NCBI research demonstrates that 77% of respondents had reported they had an incident with an e-scooter on a footpath.
The legislation currently allows for a maximum speed limit of 25 kph and must be reduced to 12kph, with consideration given to lower speeds of 6 kph around certain areas such as schools. The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind recently conducted a survey with their Clients with 53% reporting a negative encounter, including close collision, with an e-scooter.
A universal sound solution which has been subject to robust testing and efficacy research should be a requirement on all forms of micro mobility 3 (private and communal e-scooters (shared schemes), e-bikes etc.) to allow pedestrians to hear them approaching. This is essential for the safety of pedestrians who are blind or vision impaired. ... In addition to AVAS, operators should offer e-scooters with bells which are easily accessible to the riders without having to move their hands from the handlebars.
Free floating, lock to parking must be prohibited. Designated parking bays should be enclosed with high contrast and clear of the pedestrian accessway to prevent injuries for disabled pedestrians and those with limited mobility. These parking bays should have a detectable kerb (minimum height of 60mm) which separates walkways from parked e-scooters. Placement of designated parking bays must take into consideration the recommended circulation space of 2000mm when there is a raised kerb open to an adjoining carriageway. Where this pathway width is not possible, the pathway or approach route should remain unobstructed and have a clear minimum width of 1700mm with passing spaces for wheelchair users and 2000mm for Guide Dog users.
Provision for insurance and at least a provisional license must be included within the legislation. The requirement to hold a Provisional License is aligned 4 with the provision that prevents supply of e-scooters to those under the age of 16 and would ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the rules of the road. It is also essential that e-scooters have accessible registration plates so that if they break the rules of the road, riders can be identified, and fined or prosecuted.
The current Bill makes it an offence to supply an individual under the age of 16 with an e-scooter. It is essential that this provision is coupled with a minimum age requirement for the use of e-scooters. Any individual using an e-scooter should be at least 16 years old. This is an important provision for the safety of e-scooter users and other road users.
You can read the full submission by clicking here.