Mark Ward
Ceist:182. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the stage of legislation to regulate the use of electric bikes; if such legislation will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3768/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 January 2023
Ceisteanna (182)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government has committed us to legislating for electric bicycles, or e-bikes. E-bikes are currently legal to use in Ireland, however, the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which has completed all stages in the Dáil and is now before the Seanad, includes provisions to clarify the legal position of low-powered e-bikes, also known as pedelecs, and high-powered e-bikes, or speed-pedelecs.
Giving effect to European law, high-powered e-bikes, which have engines above 250W or solely powered by the electric motor, and are capable of speeds in excess of 25 km/h, will be classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. Users will be required to hold an AM licence and to register, tax and insure their vehicle. The provisions in the Bill pertaining to e-bikes will be commenced once the administrative arrangements for registration, licensing and taxation are put in place.
Low-powered e-bikes, with engines of up to 250W and capable of speeds up to 25 km/h, will continue to be treated as pedal bicycles and the rules of the road for bicycles will continue to apply. This type of e-bike will not require registration, taxation, or licensing.
The passage of the Bill through the remaining legislative stages is subject to the Oireachtas. It is anticipated that the Bill will be enacted before the end of Q1.