Source: Zag Daily

An important new step in the legal recognition of e-scooters in Ireland has been welcomed by shared-micromobility companies. Signed by Irish President Michael Higgins, The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 includes “powered personal transporters”, a category representative of e-scooters. More details on the requirements for private and shared e-scooters on Irish roads will follow.

CEO and Founder of shared-mobility data solutions provider Anadue, Mike Manchip, commented to Zag Daily, “It has been a long time coming, and it’s a very positive move for Ireland”, further mentioning, “There is a need for local authorities and shared e-scooter companies to coordinate how to deploy shared e-scooter services that are sustainable.”

Operators

Head of Public Policy for Bolt Ireland, Aisling Dunne, welcomed the news of the legislation being signed into law. “We are now waiting for the publication of the regulations, which will contain greater details on the vehicle standards and user behaviour,” said Dunne. “We will continue to work with local councils and look forward to shared schemes launching before the end of the year.”

Lime, a relative newcomer to the Irish market with a Castlebar-based scheme, also recognised the legislation. Senior Public Affairs Manager, Hal Stevenson, commented, “We look forward to working with Irish cities and transport partners to build on our existing successful operations here.”

Also in support was Jessica Hall, Tier’s Head of Public Policy for the UK and Ireland. Tier initially launched its first full scale e-bike scheme in 2022 in Fingal, Ireland, while an e-scooter trial has been in operation on private land at DCU for the past two years. Commenting to Zag Daily, Hall had confidence that the legislation offered a sustainable alternative to the car, “With proper legislation the public can feel secure in the knowledge that the vehicles they ride are legal and law enforcement can focus on anti-social behaviour and illegal vehicles.”

Hall went on to say, “We are well placed to ensure these new vehicles are introduced safely. We are excited to be able to offer e-scooters alongside our existing docked push bikes and e-bikes and dockless e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, to cater to the unique transport needs each town or city presents.”

Also commenting to Zag was Irish firm Zeus’s CEO, Damien Young: “As Ireland’s largest and only homegrown scooter company, we have worked closely with local councils for several years. This legislation represents a significant step towards embracing sustainable mobility solutions, and Zeus is committed to playing a role in this positive transition.”

Regulation

Ireland’s Road Traffic and Roads Bill currently allows “powered personal transporters” on roads, which must adhere to limits of 25 km/h and 0.5 kilowatts of maximum continuous rated power. A second piece of legislation will deliver more details.