Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current legal status of motorised bicycles, including e-bikes and electric scooters, under Irish road traffic legislation; whether any regulatory framework is planned or under development to govern the use of such vehicles on public roads, cycle lanes, and footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41295/26]
View answer237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken or commissioned any safety assessment of motorised bicycles and e-scooters currently available for purchase in Ireland; whether there are concerns regarding the sale of vehicles that exceed the EU-permitted 25 km/h assisted speed limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41297/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Programme for Government 2020 made a commitment to legislating for e-bikes and e-scooters. This was a policy priority for this Government and, since May 2024, e-scooters which are compliant with the regulations made under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 are legal to use in public places.
A comprehensive suite of regulations governs the safe use of e-scooters in public places, as below:
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print provides for technical standards and conditions for safe use, including a minimum age of 16 and a speed limit of 20 km/h.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/200/made/en/printprovides that signs for bicycle use will also apply to e-scooters.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/222/made/en/print provides for traffic rules, including forbidding use on motorways, footpaths and pedestrianised areas.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/224/made/en/print provides that other types of PPT, and e-scooters which do not comply with the regulations, will remain illegal to use in public places.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/223/ gives An Garda Síochána powers to seize and detain non-compliant e-scooters or other types of PPT.
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/227/made/en/provides for fixed charge penalties of €50 for certain e-scooter offences.
Regarding e-bikes and e-mopeds, the www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/16/enacted/en/html - Part 12 and the www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/10/enacted/en/html- Part 5 provide for the specifications of 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 do not require motor tax, registration or insurance.
E-mopeds are 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.
E-mopeds must be registered and taxed, as for any other mechanically propelled vehicle. In addition, throttle-assisted (L1e-B) e-mopeds must have motor insurance and a Category AM driving licence. E-mopeds that are not registered or taxed, and those riders without insurance or a driving licence, are subject to enforcement by An Garda Síochána.
The first regulations to allow for the legal use of certain e-scooters and e-bikes were introduced in May 2024. It is appropriate, therefore, to look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted to promote road safety.
Proposals for updated regulations on e-scooters and e-bikes are being developed and will be subject to Ministerial decision. Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) on e-scooters and e-bikes will form part of any consideration. The introduction of mandatory PPE for users of pedal bicycles is outside the scope of the current review.
The Department of Transport has no role in the regulation of sales for these or any product type.
