Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2023
42. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport what laws are currently in place to govern the use of e-scooters and electric bikes, including any requirements for high-visibility clothing, reflectors or lights and protective head gear; whether it is permissible for them to use footpaths and-or cycle paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55664/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 creates a new vehicle category called powered personal transporters (PPTs), which includes e-scooters. The Deputy will be aware that my Department had expected to commence the parts of the Act relating to PPTs, and to introduce regulations for e-scooters, following the EU TRIS process under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. Some technical and legal issues were identified during drafting, in part taking account of comments received from the EU Commission during the TRIS process, which have delayed their introduction. Regulations for e-scooters are now expected to be in place in Q1 2024. E-scooters will not be legal to use in public places until that time. The Regulations will be wide-ranging and will specify the technical requirements for e-scooters and the conditions for their safe use. Among other requirements, e-scooters may not be used on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas. The use of helmets and personal protective equipment (PPE) will not be mandatory, although strongly recommended by my Department and the Road Safety Authority. Separately, new rules, requiring registration, taxation, insurance and a driver’s licence, will shortly also apply to electric mopeds (e-mopeds). E-mopeds are higher-powered electric bikes which may be capable of achieving greater speeds. While these changes will not require regulations, administrative systems are currently being adapted by the relevant State bodies to allow e-moped owners to register and tax their vehicles and to undergo a driving test. These new rules will come into effect alongside the rules for e-scooters when the relevant parts of the Act are commenced in early 2024. As is the case now, neither e-bikes nor e-mopeds will be permitted on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas. Like bicycles, e-bikes may be used in cycle lanes and the use of helmets and PPE will not be mandatory. E-mopeds will require wear appropriate helmets and PPE and will not be permitted to use cycle lanes.
