PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BUY AN EBIKE OR AN ESCOOTER.
Disclaimer: Electric scooters are not to be used on footpaths, cycle lanes or roads. It is the complete responsibility of the customer to ensure that your e-scooter is operated by all country and local laws. The customer assumes all liability and risk associated with the use of electric scooter products.
We are just importers and sellers of ebikes brands based from China, Europe and other parts of the world. We are seeing rare incidents happening in this part of the world in the new age ebikes . All are machine propelled motors and assembly comes installed from factories and manufacturers. Although, a good quality check has been performed on all the products but there are few exceptional breakdown news can be seen a ebike frame broken while riding, or spokes broken news In few models or fat tire wheel disassembling on its own but those are very rare events. We totally recommend you do a full basic check before you ride the bike of any brand. Throttle is your own choice but we don’t recommend using it in public roads and areas at all. Wheelies, jumping, 2 to 4 people ride on 1, stunts, jumping, unlawful riding or any such event is your own choice and your safety is always in your own hands. Do check pressure in the tires every single day, brake checks, wheel alignment, or if there is any unusual sound from the motor please Do not use it at all and see a bike repair center near you. We strictly recommend basic helmets or a good brand of helmet for sure before you think of riding an ebike. Please support us to sell them to safe hands and do not try to break any laws of Irish roads transportation.
CURRENT LAW
According to Revenue Tax & Duty Manual 05-01-01g: Chapter 7 – The provision of bikes and safety equipment (‘cycle to work scheme’) a Pedelec is described as:
A pedelec, or electric bike, is a bicycle or tricycle which is equipped with an electric motor (with a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilowatts) which cuts out when a speed of 25 kilometres is reached, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling the bicycle or tricycle.
https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-
To know more please go through the RSA website ( https://www.rsa.ie/road-
What is the law on eBikes, Pedelecs or battery powered scooters?
Regardless of the type of bike, its speed or whether it requires a push start, the rules are as follows:
· If it can be powered by mechanical or electrical power alone (i.e., it can continue without you pedalling or scooting it) then it is considered to be a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ (MPV).
· Under road traffic law if an MPV is used in a public place it is subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles i.e., it must be roadworthy, registered, taxed and insured.
· The driver of the vehicle must hold the appropriate driving licence and is obliged to wear a crash helmet.
What is a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle (MPV)’?
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 at Section 3(1) (a) and (b) it is defined as ‘a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including.
(a) a bicycle or tricycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used,
(b) a vehicle the means of propulsion of which is electrical or partly electrical and partly mechanical, but not including a tramcar or other vehicle running on permanent rails.’
The bikes, despite having a push/pedal off to get the motor started, can propel themselves after starting and would not be considered a pedelec but would more likely be classed as an MPV and would not qualify based on that assertion for the Cycle to Work Scheme
We hope that this helps clear up the law for you but if you have any follow up on this please let us know.
Regards
GADGETPLUS IRELAND