Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for raising this important issue which has regrettably become a source of increasing concern, particularly in relation to road safety. We have all witnessed the growing popularity of electric-powered autocycles, bicycles and scooters on our public roads. This trend, especially prevalent among minors, is driven by affordability, convenience and attractiveness of these vehicles to meet short distance trips, but also due to an extreme laxity in compliance with legislation where applicable, both by dealers in such vehicles at the time of sale and the purchasers, whereby issues relating to registration, insurance, need for appropriate licences and protective clothing are not given due consideration. Mindful of the pressing challenges posed by the presence of these vehicles on our roads, Government at its meeting on 16 January 2026, invited my Ministry to legislate, inter alia, on the mandatory wearing of helmets by riders of electric scooters. Madam Speaker, consultative meetings have been held at the level of my Ministry with TMRSU and NLTA and the Police on the subject. The following matters have been thoroughly addressed – • the prevalence of unsafe riding practices; • the use of such vehicles without appropriate safety equipment, especially by youngsters; • the absence of insurance coverage in certain instances and consequently liability concerns in case of accidents; • the operation of high-powered electric vehicles by underage and untrained individuals; • the roads along which such vehicles may be authorised to run and where they should be prohibited. Hon. Members might have noted that youngsters are riding scooters on our highway, the motorways, heedless of the risks arising. There was full consensus among all institutions on the need for compulsory wearing of protective helmets for all riders, including cyclists. Furthermore, the following regulatory measures were also considered – (i) compulsory registration of cycles, pedal cycles and electric bikes; (ii) prescription of a minimum age for persons authorised to ride pedal cycles and electric bikes on public roads; (iii) mandatory use of high visibility clothing, that is, reflective jackets, between sunrise and sunset, and (iv) the introduction of speed limits for electric bikes. Madam Speaker, it has been observed that road safety risks for riders are often compounded by the lack of awareness regarding existing traffic regulations. This poses a danger not only to the riders themselves, but also to other road users, including pedestrians. It is therefore vital that we balance innovation and accessibility with public safety and responsible road use. In fact, the hon. Member raised this very concern with me during the sensitisation campaign held at Mahebourg on 09 May 2026 in the context of Road Safety Week 2026. On that occasion, I had informed all those present that my Ministry is already drafting the provisions to be incorporated in the regulatory framework pertaining to electric- powered two wheelers. I wish to reassure the hon. Member, and to end, Madam Speaker, that the proposed legislative provisions are currently being refined by my Ministry in consultation with TMRSU, NLTA and Police department. I will surely seek the agreement of Government to my Ministry issuing drafting instructions to the Attorney General's Office to regulate on enhancing the road safety of what we consider as an important segment of our vulnerable road users. This will add, inevitably, to the long list of drafting instructions my Ministry has already issued to the Attorney General's Office. Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, one supplementary!

I thank the hon. Minister for his serious concern. With the recent incident involving a minor of 15 years old on electric bike where there was no insurance coverage, can the hon. Minister inform the House if an insurance coverage is under study for such vehicles?

Yes, Madam Speaker, like I mentioned in my reply, the absence of insurance coverage in certain instances, and consequently, liability concern in case of accident is a concern and is being looked into. I thank the hon. Member for this question.

You mean the imposing of an insurance?

Yes. Going forward, this is what the committee comprising of the TMRSU, NLTA and the Police are looking into and recommending.

Good, that is it? Next question, hon. First Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! E-HEALTH PROJECT – IMPLEMENTATION & COST