UK Version: /”Commencing from next week, electric scooter users, who would otherwise be compelled to leave their personal modes of transportation at home due to a transit restriction, are caught in a state of annoyance pondering over adjustments to their travel routine.
Several e-scooter users, alighting at train stations in Dublin on Thursday, viewed the imposed restriction as ‘ludicrous’, ‘frustrating’ and ‘very unjust’. However, others empathised with the decision, one of them willing to experience some inconvenience for the safety of others.
The restriction was initially announced in August by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and shall be enforced from Monday on Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Luas and Transport for Ireland (TFI) Local Link Services.
This decision follows events in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, and London where the lithium batteries in e-scooters overheated causing fires on trains and buses in a few instances.
The NTA dictated that electric scooters would be banned by public transport operators in a bid to prevent the risk of onboard fires on buses and trains for safety reasons. This applies even to foldable or portable scooters, however, e-bikes and mobility scooters are exempt from this rule.
Will Kilduff, having reached Connolly station from the Co Kildare, described the looming restriction as ‘somewhat absurd’. His journey includes travelling from a ‘minor, side, rural road’ to his nearby train station.
He indicates that walking to the station takes him 25-30 minutes and using his e-scooter reduces this time to about eight.”/
In its most direct route to Temple Bar, it’s simply a straight shot. Opting for a Luas trip typically takes about a quarter of an hour. However, using an e-scooter can cut the commute time down to a brief six minutes. The ban appears unreasonable and seems to be based solely on unusual occurrences in regions where the climate is hotter. Unlike those, we experience a milder, temperate weather.
E-bikes, which utilise lithium batteries, have been safely transported on various modes of transportation such as planes, trains and automobiles for numerous years. Next week, Kilduff is on leave from work. His initial course of action would likely involve a trip to a retail store akin to Halfords to purchase a collapsable, electric bike. This could potentially incur an additional unwanted cost, which is somewhat vexing.
Magno Mascarenhas, a Dublin 1 resident, is often on his way to his job in Maynooth, Co Kildare. Thanks to his e-scooter, his 40-minute stroll from Maynooth station to his work location is cut down to 15 minutes. Despite this, he comprehends the reason behind the ban.
There is, of course, the possibility of an explosive event, which could lead to catastrophic outcomes. He doesn’t object to storing his e-scooter at a friend’s home near the Maynooth station and picking it up daily. Even if it causes some inconvenience, he sees it as a small price to pay for ensuring the safety of everyone.
Elsewhere, at Heuston station, Nuno Costas hurries from his train originating from Carlow town to his workplace in a restaurant situated in the city centre. He strongly disagrees with the ban, calling it “very wrong”. His e-scooter, which he purchased for €400 a year back, significantly reduces his walking time both to the local station from his house and from Heuston station to the restaurant.
Betty Telford, on the other hand heading for Portlaoise for the day, supports the ban. In her opinion, e-scooters pose a significant danger, especially in case of a fire. She empathises with the elderly or those with disabilities who may struggle to evacuate quickly. Despite acknowledging the inconvenience to working individuals, she suggests older methods of transportation such as buses and walking, questioning their previous means of commuting before the advent of e-scooters.