Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
206. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if a system of compulsory or voluntary insurance for users of electric scooters and powered bicycles is being considered to help address costs associated with injuries in the case of accidents to the users themselves or others or damage to the vehicles or other vehicles or property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4935/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 created a new category of vehicle, powered personal transporters or PPTs. As PPTs are not classified as mechanically propelled vehicles and fall beneath the exemption threshold in the Motor Insurance Directive (Directive 2021/2118), they do not require motor insurance.
E-scooters will become legal to use on public roads when the regulations to give effect to this are in place. As they will be a type of PPT, e-scooters which comply with the regulations will not require motor insurance. E-scooters which do not comply with the regulations will remain illegal to use on public roads.
E-bikes are treated in the same way as bicycles and do not require motor insurance.
Because insurance for e-scooters and e-bikes is not a legal requirement, there is no plan for a system of compulsory or voluntary insurance. However, users may take out a private insurance policy.
