Local Governments Address E-Scooter Regulations

Limerick City and County Council has initiated public submissions on draft bye-laws aimed at regulating on-street shared e-scooter hire services, with feedback accepted until January 17, 2025. Meanwhile, Chattanooga City Council is considering a resolution to add 30 more electric scooters to its existing Bike Chattanooga program, expanding the initiative that began with a pilot last December. In the UK, concerns over safety have escalated as the number of fires related to lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters has quadrupled, prompting a safety campaign urging consumers to purchase safe products. Columnist Peter Hitchens has expressed strong opposition to e-scooters, criticizing the government's plans to legalize their use, which he believes will lead to chaos on the streets. Additionally, South Australia has passed legislation to allow privately-owned e-scooters on public roads starting in early 2025, following significant public support. The state will implement an education campaign to prepare riders for the new regulations, alongside a planned review after one year to assess the effectiveness of the new laws.