The decision to ban e-scooters on public transport is “very frustrating” for commuters, according to the Dublin Commuter Coalition. 

The National Transport Authority (NTA) announced earlier today it would ban e-scooters on public transport from October. 

It said e-scooters are a “relatively new” product in Ireland and therefore their “quality control” is not as “mature” as other products such as e-bikes. 

“The guidance is prompted by safety concerns in relation to many lithium-ion batteries which are commonplace in such devices,” it said. 

Dublin Commuter Coalition (DCC) chairperson Jason Cullen said this decision is “frustrating” for commuters who use multiple modes of transportation. 

He told The Hard Shoulder e-scooters were an “excellent solution to the last-mile problem”. 

“That is the part of your journey at the start and the end between your public transport,” he said. 

“So, from your home to the train station and then from the train station to work or school or wherever it is your final destination is. 

“That journey can be quite significant for people if they're walking - it can be 30 minutes, 40 minutes.  

“But on something like an e-scooter, that can be as short as 5, 10 minutes for people.” 

Banning e-scooters will “narrow” the area people are able to use public transport within, according to Mr Cullen. 

“It’s going to be quite a challenge for people,” he said. 

E-scooters and safety

Mr Cullen said the DCC “totally understand” the NTA’s concerns about e-scooters' lithium-ion batteries. 

“The reasoning they're giving is the risk to the batteries catching on fire effectively over overuse,” he said. 

“Obviously, that needs to be addressed to ensure it doesn't happen. 

“But Ireland is in the EU – everything that’s sold here has to abide by EU regulations. 

“The scooters that are being sold in the market should be compliant with all EU regulations.” 

E-scooters in Dublin city centre. Photographer: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

The DCC chairperson also noted that the restrictions on speed for e-scooters introduced in Ireland in recent months would also ensure they are safe to carry on public transport. 

“There's certainly outlier cases where you can have accidents and things can happen,” he said. 

“But you would hope that products that have been deemed legal and safe to be sold in Ireland are legal and safe to be in Ireland.” 

The NTA said the ban is subject to review by itself and transport operators. 

Listen back here: