E-scooters can be legally used on Irish roads since 20 May 2024. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 created a new vehicle class called powered personal transporters.

You do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. You must be 16 or over to use an e-scooter. An e-scooter must have a CE mark and the retailer must give you a declaration of conformity when you buy it.

Technical requirements

In Ireland, e-scooters must:

• Weigh a maximum of 25 kilograms (including batteries)
• Travel at speeds of 20 km/h or less
• Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 400 watts or less
• Have wheels of at least 200mm diameter
• Have front and rear lights (switched on during lighting-up hours and darkness), reflectors, front and rear brakes, and a bell
• Have a manufacturer’s plate showing the power output, weight, and design speed
• Be in roadworthy condition

Rules on using e-scooters

Where you can use an e-scooter

• E-scooters can be used on local, regional, and national roads. They cannot be used on motorways.
• You can use cycle and bus lanes.
• You must drive on the left.
• You must not use an e-scooter on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
• E-scooters are not allowed on State provided public transport, Luas, rail, or bus services (due to concerns with lithium batteries).

Rules of the road

• Follow the rules of the road, especially for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and zebra crossings.
• You must follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.
• Gardaí can confiscate e-scooters ridden by people under 16.
• Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time.
• E-scooters are not designed for carrying goods or passengers.
• You must not park an e-scooter in no-parking zones like loading bays, accessible parking and charging bays.
• You must not use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.

You do not need:

• A vehicle registration plate
• Motor tax
• A driving licence
• Compulsory insurance