Over a third of Irish people would consider swapping car for e-scooter for short trips

And small urban businesses could also reap the benefits as 36pc say they would also visit local shops and restaurants more frequently if they could 'scoot' to their destination.

Ireland currently does not operate public e-scooter rentals, however, research carried out by e-scooter company Spin shows there is an interest in the service.

Spin surveyed 1,000 Irish adults across Ireland in November 2021 to gauge their interest in e-scooters as a mode of transport.

A spokesperson revealed that the company plans to launch rental e-scooters in Ireland next year.

It comes as preliminary legislation was recently passed by the Dáil that will allow for the use of e-scooters on public roads in Ireland.

Almost half of respondents (45pc) believe that e-scooters can help reduce the number of cars in city centres, particularly at busy times like Christmas.

While one in six (16pc) think they would provide a significant business boost for small enterprises.

Steve Pyer, Spin Country Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “We know that the introduction of e-scooters has a positive economic impact for local enterprises, in particular small businesses in the food and beverage industry.

"For example, a recent study by Emory University in the US** showed that local economies experienced a significant boost from shared e-scooter systems due to an estimated $13.8 million in additional sales in four city locations across the US over six months in 2019.

"This is in fact one of the priority research areas that we'll be looking closely at next year in Ireland when we launch e-scooter rentals."

“Our survey further underpins that there is a huge potential for urban centres across Ireland too when e-scooter rentals launch.

"Hopefully very soon the Irish consumer will be able to roll up with a Spin e-scooter to get their hair cut at the local barbers or attend their favourite yoga class at their neighbourhood studio, promoting less congested roads and ultimately, cleaner air."