E-scooters and low-powered electric pedal bikes are subject to the same regulations that apply to pushbikes and will therefore continue to be exempt from tax and insurance, the Department of Transport has said.
Following a commitment to legislate the use of e-scooters in the programme for Government, the decision has been made to exempt the vehicles from tax, insurance, registration and licence requirements.
“Micro mobility options such as e-scooters, are an important part of Ireland’s sustainable transport mix and a key alternative to more carbon-intensive travel by private car,” said Transport Department press officer Sadbh Quinn.
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E-scooters have become increasingly popular in Ireland and other EU countries in recent years and have raised some concerns about safety and regulation.
When deliberating on the decision to treat e-scooters the same as pushbikes, the Department of Transport said that implementation in other countries had been considered. However, there is currently no uniform EU policy when it comes to regulating e-scooters.
“The Department considered the available information on the development of e-scooter controls in other countries, but it is noted that there is no uniform EU position on usage and technical specifications at this point,” said Quinn.
The department’s statement made sure to clarify the difference between e-scooters, pedal-assisted and high-powered e-bikes.
While e-scooters and pedal-assisted e-bikes that go no faster than 25km/h are treated the same as regular pushbikes, powered bikes that can reach speeds higher that 25km/h fall under the same category as mopeds and motorbikes.
“In line with European legislation, high-powered e-bikes (those with more powerful engines or solely powered by the electric motor) will be considered to be a kind of light moped or L-category vehicle.
“Accordingly, they will be required to be registered, taxed and insured. Users will require a driver’s licence for L-category vehicles and the relevant rules of the road for mopeds and motorbikes will apply.”
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