PROBLEMS WITH E-BIKES
Today while walking along the south bank of the Royal Canal I encountered some issues with very aggressive e-bike riders. Since the end of Covid-19 restrictions I have noticed a huge increase in the usage of electric scooters, electric bike and electric bikes as large a large medium sized motorbikes. So, I decided to investigate if there is a worldwide issue.
Worldwide: Electric scooters are regulated in many parts of the world. The regulations often include age restrictions, helmet requirements, and rules about where scooters can be ridden.
Europe: In Europe, countries have been increasingly regulating the use of electric scooters to curb injuries and deaths. For example, Rome and Paris have introduced speed limits for e-scooters. In Rome, the speed limit will be reduced from 25 km/h to 20 km/h on roads, and 6 km/h in pedestrian areas without cars. In Paris, the speed limit for rental e-scooters is capped at 10 km/h in some areas. Rental companies are also addressing rogue parking by requiring users to take a picture proving that they dropped off the scooter in the right place.
European Union (EU): On an EU level, the European Commission is considering drawing up guidelines and technical standards for e-scooters. The EU regulations cover safety, environmental standards, and conformity assessments to ensure compliance with EU directives.
Britain: In the UK, e-scooters are currently being trialed in certain areas. The trials are subject to specific restrictions, including a maximum speed of 15.5 mph, and the need for a driving license. Privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal, and riders must be at least 16 years old.
Ireland: In Ireland, the Road Traffic and Roads Act of 2023 was enacted to resolve the legal barriers to e-scooters. This Act introduces a new class of vehicle called Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs), which will include e-scooters within certain performance and mass limits. However, the regulations are not expected to come into force until the second quarter of 2024. Until then, it remains illegal to use e-scooters on public roads.
These measures aim to balance the benefits of these new forms of mobility with the need to ensure safety and order on the roads. However, enforcement of these regulations and public education about safe and respectful riding habits are crucial to address the issues which I and others frequently encounter.
Worldwide: Electric scooters are regulated in many parts of the world. The regulations often include age restrictions, helmet requirements, and rules about where scooters can be ridden.
Europe: In Europe, countries have been increasingly regulating the use of electric scooters to curb injuries and deaths. For example, Rome and Paris have introduced speed limits for e-scooters. In Rome, the speed limit will be reduced from 25 km/h to 20 km/h on roads, and 6 km/h in pedestrian areas without cars. In Paris, the speed limit for rental e-scooters is capped at 10 km/h in some areas. Rental companies are also addressing rogue parking by requiring users to take a picture proving that they dropped off the scooter in the right place.
European Union (EU): On an EU level, the European Commission is considering drawing up guidelines and technical standards for e-scooters. The EU regulations cover safety, environmental standards, and conformity assessments to ensure compliance with EU directives.
Britain: In the UK, e-scooters are currently being trialed in certain areas. The trials are subject to specific restrictions, including a maximum speed of 15.5 mph, and the need for a driving license. Privately-owned e-scooters remain illegal, and riders must be at least 16 years old.
Ireland: In Ireland, the Road Traffic and Roads Act of 2023 was enacted to resolve the legal barriers to e-scooters. This Act introduces a new class of vehicle called Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs), which will include e-scooters within certain performance and mass limits. However, the regulations are not expected to come into force until the second quarter of 2024. Until then, it remains illegal to use e-scooters on public roads.
These measures aim to balance the benefits of these new forms of mobility with the need to ensure safety and order on the roads. However, enforcement of these regulations and public education about safe and respectful riding habits are crucial to address the issues which I and others frequently encounter.
PROBLEMS WITH E-BIKES