ROAD USERS
E-scooters
New laws on the use of e-scooters in Ireland
From 20 May 2024, new lawsOpen in new browser tab will be introduced to make e-scooters legal in Ireland. Users must be 16 years or older and obey a speed limit of 20km/h. E-scooters are banned from footpaths and users can’t carry passengers. Please see further information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
Key rules
From 20 May 2024, e-scooter users must:
- Be 16 years or older.
- Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
- Drive on the left. E-scooters are allowed in cycle or bus lanes and on local, regional or national roads.
- Have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes on their e-scooter and it must be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times.
- Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden and follow the same rules of the road that apply to cyclists, including traffic lights, road signs, and all types of pedestrian crossings.
E-scooter users must NOT:
- Use footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways.
- Hold or use a mobile phone.
- Have a seat on their e-scooter.
- Carry passengers or goods.
| Type | e-scooter | |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Low-power | High-power |
| What is the minimum age for use in public? | 16 years | Not applicable |
| What is the max continuous rated output (watts)? | 400W | More than 400W |
| What is the max speed I can do? | 20 km/h or less | More than 20km/h |
| What is the max weight (including batteries)? | 25kg | Over 25kg |
| Does my vehicle require EU-Type approval? | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Does my vehicle need to be registered? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Does my vehicle need motor tax? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Do I need insurance? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Do I need to wear protective equipment? | Advised | Not legal on public roads |
| Do I need a driver’s licence? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Can I use the footpath? | No | No |
| Can I use the cycle lane? | Yes | No |
| Can I use the bus lane? | Yes | No |
| Allowed on local/regional routes? | Yes | No |
| Allowed on national roads? | Yes | No |
| Allowed on motorways? | No | No |
Motorists sharing the road with e-scooters should follow the same guidelines as for cyclists. Drivers should give one metre clearance when overtaking in speed zones that are 50 km/h or under, and 1.5 metres in speed zones over 50 km/h.
E-scooter users must obey the rules of the road and familiarise themselves with the relevant traffic laws and regulations. Understanding speed limits, travel zones and other rules can help to responsibly share the road. Improper or dangerous use of an e-scooter will likely result in fines and/or the e-scooter being seized by An Garda Síochána.
Remaining visible and alert on the road is vital, so e-scooter users should wear high visibility clothing and they must not use or hold a mobile phone nor listen to music.
Always check the roadworthiness of an e-scooter before setting off, including brakes, steering, tyres and lighting. You must not carry goods, passengers or bulky items on an e-scooter as this will greatly affect the stability of the e-scooter and the safety of the user and other road users.
E-scooters for sale within the EU must comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/ECOpen in new browser tabOpen in new browser tab and this has been transposed in national law by the Machinery Regulations S.I. 407/2008Open in new browser tabOpen in new browser tab.
You should ensure that you buy from a reputable retailer/distributor, and checks should be carried out to ensure:
- In order for the e-scooter to be used in a public area in Ireland, it must comply with the technical requirements of S.I. 199 of 2024Open in new browser tabOpen in new browser tab.
- The e-scooter is CE marked, with details of manufacturer, date of manufacture and designation/serial number on its CE plate.
- A Declaration of Conformity must be provided with the e-scooter, drawn up and signed by the manufacturer declaring it complies with the Machinery Directive and relevant standards.
Please note that an e-scooter with a price that appears to be too good to be true may not comply with the legislation or safety standards and may not be safe for use.
E-scooter FAQs
IMPORTANT! These FAQs are meant as a guide only. They are not an interpretation of the legislation. For legal advice, please consult your solicitor.
An electric scooter or e-scooter is a vehicle with a small standing platform and no seat, for use by one person only, with two or more wheels and propelled by an electric motor. The rider can also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing off the ground.
| Description of Contravention | Fine |
|---|---|
| Electric scooter exceeding the speed limit. | €50 |
| Driving an electric scooter in a public place without reasonable consideration for other people using the place. | €50 |
| Failure to stop electric scooter for a school warden sign | €50 |
| Failure to stop an electric scooter when so required by a member of Garda Síochána | €50 |
| Using an electric scooter to carry goods | €50 |
| Using an electric scooter to carry passengers | €50 |
| Using an electric scooter equipped with a seat | €50 |
| Modifying an electric scooter in a manner that is prohibited in that regulation | €50 |
| Towing another vehicle, any equipment, implement or any other item | €50 |
| Using an electric scooter that is not roadworthy | €50 |
| Exceeding the maximum design speed | €50 |
| Exceeding the maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor, or combination of electric motors | €50 |
| Exceeding the dimensions provided for in that regulation | €50 |
| Failure to fit a braking device in accordance with that regulation | €50 |
| Failure to fit lighting and reflectors in accordance with that regulation | €50 |
| Failure to fit an audible warning device, bell or horn in accordance with that regulation | €50 |
| Failure to fit wheels and tyres in accordance with that regulation | €50 |
| Driving an electric scooter along or across a footway, other than for access or egress | €50 |
| Failure by driver of an electric scooter to obey traffic lights | €50 |
| Failure by driver of an electric scooter to obey traffic lights/signs at a railway level crossing | €50 |
| Driving an electric scooter into a pedestrianised street or area other than on a cycle track. | €50 |
| Failure by driver of an electric scooter to obey cycle traffic lights | €50 |
| Holding a mobile phone while driving an electric scooter. | €50 |
E-scooters must:
- Have a maximum continuous rated output of 400 watts or less.
- Have a maximum weight of 25 kg (including batteries).
- Have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less.
- Have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm.
- Be fitted with front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
- Be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.
An e-scooter may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-scooter user charged with this offence will face a court appearance and can be fined up to €2,000.
Yes. Legally, you must have front and rear lights and reflectors on your e-scooter. Your lights must be switched on during lighting up hours and darkness.
No, but we strongly recommend you do, for your own safety. E-scooter users should wear a bicycle helmet and wear high visibility clothing like a Sam Browne reflective belt or reflective vest, particularly at night and in poor daylight.
No, there is no NCT for e-scooters however, under road traffic law, the owner and/or driver must ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition at all times when used in a public place. All parts and equipment must be in good working order. Failure to do so can result in prosecution.
Due to safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries on e-scooters in the enclosed confines of a public transport vehicle, it is intended that e-scooters will not be permitted on State provided public transport services – Luas, rail and bus.