It’s claimed the safety of people with disabilities or limited mobility in Clare is being compromised by people using e-scooters on footpaths.
Representative groups in the county are among those calling for the mechanically propelled vehicle to banned from using footpaths.
New laws are on the way to legalise motorised scooters, but it would mean operators would have to be taxed before using them on public roads.
Ahead of this, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is being urged by NCBI, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Irish Wheelchair Association to protect pedestrians with access needs.
The three charities want to see age restrictions on e-scooter users and low maximum speed limits.
The Clare Leader Forum says they’ve received a number of reports from people in this county who find e-scooters to be intimidating.
Spokesperson Ann Marie Flanagan says some people with limited mobility are being forced onto the road by people using these vehicles.
An Ennis-based guide dog trainer insists that e-scooters are compromising the safety of those with disabilities.
Martina Keane says there are a number of guide-dog users in the town, including school-going children with assistance dogs.
She insists that e-scooters don’t belong on footpaths.
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