Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
162. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if an electric scooter (details supplied), which is intended for use as a mobility scooter by the owner, is classed as an e-scooter under the new legislation; if insurance is required to operate this in a public place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27944/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish road traffic legislation classifies electric scooters (e-scooters) as a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). The information supplied shows that the vehicle in question is registered as an L1 (light moped) vehicle. L1 vehicles are classed as mechanically propelled vehicle and therefore cannot be regarded as PPTs.
Specially equipped vehicles (those adapted or specially constructed to enable a person with a disability to travel in the vehicle, as the driver or a passenger, in safety and reasonable comfort), such as mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs, are not considered under law to be e-scooters and the use of e-scooters for this purpose is not recommended. Information about mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs is available from the Road Safety Authority website www.rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/special-purpose-vehicles/motorised-wheelchairs-and-mobility-scooters .
Under the European Motor Insurance Directive (EU 2021/2118), mechanically propelled vehicles which weigh more than 25 kg and which can exceed 14 km/h require motor insurance.
