Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
168. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to high powered electric bicycles using bike lanes and causing danger to cyclists and pedestrians; if this is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33417/25]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy on the provisions of the Regulations in place for both e-bikes and e-mopeds.
An e-bike is a pedal-assisted electric bicycle with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. E-bikes are treated in the same way as bicycles and are therefore permitted to use cycle lanes.
E-mopeds include more powerful pedal-assisted e-bikes and those which can operate on the motor alone (throttle-assisted) and are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles.
There are two types of e-moped.
• L1e-A: pedal-assisted, with a maximum speed of 25 kph and maximum power of up to 1,000 Watts.
• L1e-B: pedal or throttle-assisted, with a maximum speed of 45 kph and maximum power of up to 4,000 Watts.
Given the greater power and speed of L1e-B e-mopeds, they are not permitted to use cycle tracks. Only L1e-A e-mopeds may do so.
Enforcement of the use of cycle lanes, along with other road safety enforcement matters, falls under the remit of An Garda Síochána and I suggest the Deputy contact them directly.
