Government is considering making helmets compulsory following research that found a big increase in admissions

The figures come as the Government is to consider the mandatory use of helmets by ­e-scooter users, with experts calling for a “multi-­agency” approach.

It is believed Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien early this year to discuss tightening regulations around the vehicles.

E-scooter use is on the increase. Stock image

Today’s News in 90 – Thursday January 15

It follows the publication of a report by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) that found a spike in the number of children admitted to the national neurosurgical centre at Temple Street with brain injuries as a result of e-scooter accidents.

Dr Judith Meehan, dean of the RCPI faculty of paediatrics, said that while the use of helmets is important, there are other factors also at play.

“In our cohort admitted to the national neurosurgical centre, helmet use would likely not have prevented all of these injuries,” she said.

“Maybe wearing a helmet can prevent some injuries and reduce the severity of others, but it’s a much bigger picture than simply helmets.”

The RCPI report found that between June 2023 and May 2024, one child was admitted with a traumatic brain injury from an e-scooter fall. But since May 2024, more than 25 children have been admitted for the same reason.

E-scooters are now the leading cause of traumatic brain injury among children admitted to the national neurosurgical centre.

Dr Judith Meehan, dean of the RCPI faculty of paediatrics

“We welcome the fact that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport are actually examining this now,” Dr Meehan said. “But it’s complex and there isn’t a global consensus on one particular thing that’s going to keep people safe. We are calling for a multi-­agency approach.”

She emphasised the need for the enforcement of existing legislation, which prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from using the vehicles.

“My colleague, Dr Irwin Gill, who is a consultant in paediatric neurodisability, found it really shocking how seemingly unaware parents are of the legislation,” she said.

“People weren’t aware of the rules around minimum legal age.

“They will see it in the same way as they see an ordinary scooter or a bike, but they won’t be aware that the level of injury is so much more severe with short and longer-term impacts from a traumatic brain injury – admission to hospital, potential neurosurgery and intensive care.”

Other existing rules include the requirement for lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes, which must be kept in a roadworthy condition.

Further findings from the report include 95pc of hospital admissions for single-vehicle e-scooter crashes being men and almost 50pc of those admitted as a result of e-scooter accidents required neurosurgical and ICU intervention.

It also references information from first responders and witnesses that suggests vehicles involved in some accidents having been travelling over the 20kmh speed limit.

Some of the more powerful ­e-scooters currently on sale in shops and online in Ireland are advertised as having top speeds of 60kmh or more.