Helmet use among cyclists and e-scooter riders in Ireland is falling. This is happening just as more people switch to two wheels for their daily trips. A recent study from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows a clear decline in helmet wearing, especially among e-scooter users. Road safety experts are worried. They are already seeing more injuries involving vulnerable road users.
The RSA carried out an observational survey at busy junctions and on key commuter routes around the country. Trained observers watched real traffic. They noted whether motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and e-scooter riders were wearing helmets and high-visibility clothing. The results show a big gap between motorcyclists and everyone else.
Motorcyclists still have very high helmet use. Almost every rider in the study wore a helmet. That reflects strict legal rules and years of enforcement. For cyclists and e-scooter riders, the picture is much weaker. Only about half of pedal cyclists wore a helmet. For e-scooter riders, the share was closer to one in four. That is a clear drop compared with the previous year and it is going in the wrong direction.
High-visibility clothing tells a similar story. Only a minority of riders chose reflective or fluorescent vests, jackets or accessories. Most cyclists and e-scooter users rode in everyday clothing, even during busy traffic times or low light. So many riders are both unprotected and hard to see. That combination is risky.
The sharpest change is among e-scooter riders. Their helmet use has fallen the fastest. At the same time, e-scooters are often used in complex city traffic, where riders share space with buses, cars, pedestrians and cyclists. E-scooter users usually travel faster than people on foot but have far less protection than drivers. A small mistake, a pothole or a car door opening at the wrong moment can quickly turn into a serious fall.
Earlier surveys suggested that many regular e-scooter users believe they wear helmets and reflective gear most of the time. The new observational data tells a different story. There seems to be a gap between what people say and what they actually do. In real life, plenty of riders skip helmets on short journeys or on familiar routes, even though most crashes happen close to home.
Cyclists show a similar pattern. Ireland has seen real growth in cycling over the last decade. Better bike lanes and active travel policies helped that. Yet helmet use has not grown at the same pace. The latest figures show that roughly half of cyclists still ride without a helmet. That leaves a large group at greater risk of head injuries if something goes wrong.
Doctors know very well what that means. Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes in collisions involving bikes and e-scooters. Even at moderate speeds, an unprotected head can suffer lasting damage. A helmet cannot prevent every injury. Still, it can soften the impact and reduce the chance of life-changing harm.
The RSA keeps repeating a simple message. Helmets and high-visibility clothing should be seen as basic safety gear, not as optional add-ons. A properly fitted helmet. worn on every journey. gives vital protection if you fall or are hit. High-visibility clothing, reflective elements and working lights make it easier for drivers to see you in time.
Good maintenance also plays a role in staying safe. A scooter with worn brakes, loose parts or poorly inflated tyres can turn a small situation into a crash. If you ride an NIU electric scooter, this practical NIU KQi series setup and maintenance guide can help you keep your scooter in good working order so your safety gear is not the only thing standing between you and the road.
Parents and guardians have an important role too. Teenagers and young adults are some of the most frequent users of e-scooters and bikes for short trips. Adults can set the tone by wearing helmets themselves, checking that children have helmets that actually fit and insisting on lights and reflective gear, especially during the darker months.
The study also sends a clear signal to decision-makers. Local authorities and national bodies can use this data when planning bike lanes, setting clear rules for e-scooters and designing education campaigns. Safe infrastructure, visible enforcement and simple, direct messages all support better choices from individual riders.
In the end, though, it comes back to daily habits. Choosing to put on a helmet every time you ride, no matter how short the trip, is a small effort that can make a huge difference on a bad day. Adding a reflective vest or jacket, checking your lights and slowing down at tricky junctions all increase your chances of getting home safely.
As cycling and e-scooter use continue to grow, safety has to grow alongside them. The RSA study is a gentle but firm warning. Convenience should not come before protection. A helmet and a bit of reflective fabric may not look like much. Yet they can be the difference between a scare and a tragedy.