Kildare TD Suggests Swap Scheme As Solution For E-Scooter "Free-For-All"

Monday, 20 July 2026 at 12:25

By Daniel Maher

A new CHI report has revealed a 50% annual increase in the number of children and young people being admitted to hospital with traumatic brain injuries because of e-scooter accidents.

Kildare North TD and Social Democrats Transport spokesperson Aidan Farrelly has suggested the idea of a swap scheme as a solution to the current e-scooter situation.

Speaking to Kfm news, he said that "e-scooter free-for-all is resulting in a huge increase in children receiving devastating brain injuries and must be addressed now by this government".

A new CHI report has revealed a 50% annual increase in the number of children and young people being admitted to hospital with traumatic brain injuries because of e-scooter accidents.

Up to May 2026, 18 children were admitted to Temple Street with brain injuries from these accidents. Alarming, a further seven children have been admitted since May of this year.

Deputy Farrelly suggested the idea of a swap scheme that would allow families "surrender e-scooters and replace them with pedal bikes if they wish".

He added that it would act as an incentive for them to be surrendered, while also emphasising the importance of registration:

“The Minister should introduce a mandatory registration scheme for e-scooters, which would ensure all users and vehicles are registered through the National Vehicle Driver File. Failure to comply with this, could lead to the seizure of e-scooters.

Deputy Farrelly also says he believes the ban for under-16s has been "a monumental failure".