Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2022
126. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the rationale for the delay in progressing legislation in respect of e-scooter and e-bike use on public roads; and the date on which he anticipates the legislation being enacted in full [22445/22]
View answerElectric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax, registration and insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence category for them. Therefore, they are illegal to use on public roads and in public places. However, they may be used on private land, with the permission of the landowner.
Legislation for the use of e-scooters, in accordance with the Programme for Government and so that they may be used on our roads within a clear legal framework, is being progressed through the Road Traffic and Roads Bill. The Bill has completed second stage in the Dáil and it is expected that it will go to committee stage shortly.
To allow for the rapid pace of technological change in this area, specific controls on the use of e-scooters will be set out in regulations, following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas.
