Are E-Scooters Legal In Ireland? Yes: Here Are the New Rules
Private Electric Scooters Are Now Legal in the Republic of Ireland
Electric scooter enthusiasts in the UK have waited patiently for clarity about whether private e-scooters will become legal on public roads. Currently, UK law is so convoluted that it renders electric scooters illegal anywhere on public land unless they’re part of a limited government shared scooter scheme.
But that’s not the case in the Republic of Ireland, where private electric scooters are now legal to ride on public roads as of last month, when Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan signed new regulations into effect on May 20 governing the use of private electric scooters. This is good news, but not all the regulations are entirely reasonable, from our point of view.
Often when electric scooters are first legalised, their speeds are capped very low, and that’s the case here. But it might not always be so.
Let’s break down the new rules.
Where Can You Ride Electric Scooters in Ireland?
Some of the new scooter laws in Ireland are standard in most of the US. Riders must be over 16 years of age, for example, and they do not need to have a driver’s license or insurance for their scooter.
Privately owned electric scooters are legal to ride on public roads, but there are still restrictions for the safety of scooter riders, drivers, and pedestrians:
- E-scooters can be used on local, regional, and national roads. They cannot be used on motorways.
- You can use cycle and bus lanes.
- You must drive on the left.
- You must not use an e-scooter on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
- E-scooters are not allowed on State provided public transport, Luas, rail, or bus services (due to concerns with lithium batteries).
Scooters must be “in roadworthy condition,” have wheels of at least 200mm (7.8 in), have front and rear lights, reflectors, front and rear brakes, and a bell. Most any electric scooter you buy will come with these features.
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Power, Speed & Weight Limits for E-Scooters in Ireland
All e-scooters are required to have a “manufacturer’s plate showing the power output, weight, and design speed.” This is because the law limits electric scooters on public roads to a power output of 400W, a weight of 25 kg (55 lbs), and a top speed of 20km/h (12.5 mph) – a slow speed for any kind of two-wheeled travel, even a standard non-electric bicycle.
Only time will tell how aggressively this speed limit will be enforced. As we advise riders in the US, it’s usually best to follow the law in high traffic areas where there are lots of pedestrians, and lots of police. Riding in low-traffic areas outside of rush hours and off the beaten path can give you more discretion.
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What Happens if You Break the Rules?
We can thoroughly answer questions like are e-scooters legal in Ireland, but we are not lawyers, neither in Ireland nor anywhere else, and we do not offer legal advice at Electric Scooter Guide. We help people find the best electric scooters. Ride a private scooter over the speed limit at your own risk in the Republic of Ireland, and only ride a scooter over 400W and 25 kg if you’re prepared to pay the cost.
“If you break the road rules or use an e-scooter dangerously,” the Republic of Ireland’s Citizen’s Information site warns, “you can be fined.” The standard fine is €50. You can also be prosecuted if your scooter isn’t kept in good repair, and riding under the influence can result in a “court appearance and a fine of up to €2,000.”
Stay tuned, we’ll investigate some of the best places to buy an electric scooter in Ireland soon.
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