Study finds 36% of e-scooter related accidents involve alcohol, while helmet use declines 

The study analysed patients presenting with e-scooter-related facial injuries for two 10-month periods before and after the passing of the legislation, which classified e-scooters as 'personal powered transporters'. File picture: Getty 

The presence of alcohol and drugs in people involved in falls and collisions from e-scooters has doubled, while helmet use has decreased since e-scooters were legalised for public roads last year, according to new research.

Doctors at one of Dublin’s largest hospitals found that there has been no significant reduction in injury incidence, or severity of injury, or adoption of protective measures — such as helmet use and avoidance of intoxicants — since the reform allowing e-scooters on public roads was introduced in May 2024.