Shared micromobility operator Bird has partnered with the Irish School of Excellence (ISOE) to launch Ireland’s first e-scooter safety course.
The programme is designed to educate transition year, Leaving Certificate Applied, Youthreach, and after school students on safe and responsible riding practices for the use of e-scooters.
The ISOE is Ireland’s largest driver education programme, working with over 570 secondary schools nationwide.
Covering almost 80 per cent of schools nationally, the ISOE and Bird will roll out Ireland’s first e-scooter safety course.
The announcement comes shortly after the publication of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 to allow for e-scooters on Irish roads, and ahead of councils beginning licensing processes this year.
Once e-scooters are legalised, the “E-scooter Safety Course” module will serve as part of the Irish School of Excellence’s existing “Driver Education Course”.
“As our transport network evolves to embrace more sustainable travel options such as shared e-scooter schemes, so too should driving education,” said Kieran O’Brien, CEO and founder of Irish School of Excellence.
“It has been heartening to witness first-hand Bird’s proactivity in this space. Together we have devised a course that will equip young people across Ireland with the education necessary to use e-scooters safely on Irish roads.”
Charlotte Bailey, General Manager for UK and Ireland at Bird, added: “Safety is of paramount importance to Bird. As Ireland prepares to embrace shared e-scooter schemes, it is essential that the public is educated on how to use e-scooters safely. Bird is proud to work with the Irish School of Excellence, an organisation with enormous reach, to spearhead Ireland’s first e-scooter safety course. At Bird, we enforce an age limit of 18 years across our platform but believe it is important to begin instilling e-scooter safety early to ensure the next generation ride responsibly.”
