Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:154. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the regulations to legalise the use of e-scooters and e-bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/22]
View answerTuesday, 31 May 2022
Questions (154)
Written answers
It is intended, as soon as possible and in accordance with the Programme for Government, to provide a clear legal framework for the use of e-scooters on public roads. Provision has been made for powered personal transporters (PPTs), which will include e-scooters, in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which has completed second stage in the Dail and is due to go to committee stage shortly.
The Bill will allow the Minister for Transport to make the use of e-scooters legal on public roads by regulation, following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas. E-scooters will only become legal to use on Irish roads when regulations for their use and technical specifications have been signed.
The Programme for Government is also committed to legislating for e-bikes. While e-bikes are already provided for in the Road Traffic Acts, the Road Traffic and Roads Bill will clarify the legal definitions for high-powered and low-powered e-bikes. In line with European legislation, high-powered e-bikes will be considered to be light moped (L-category) vehicles and will require registration, tax and insurance. Users will require an L-category driver’s licence and the rules of the road for mopeds and motorbikes will apply. Low-powered pedal-assist e-bikes, capable of speeds up to 25 km/h, will continue to be treated in the same way as pedal bicycles and the rules of the road for bicycles will apply accordingly.