Ireland legalizes e-scooters
Comments Off on Ireland legalizes e-scootersE-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