Starting from May 20th, 2024, e-scooters are legal on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. E-scooters must:
Technical requirements
To be permitted for use on public roads, e-scooters must:
- have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 W or less,
- have a maximum net 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 and reflectors, brakes and a bell, and
- be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.
Any e-scooter that does not comply with the above technical parameters will remain illegal for use on public roads.
Usage requirements
E-scooters should be used in the same way as bicycles on public roads. Users must:
- Drive on the left (including bicycle lanes and bus lanes).
- Be 16 or older.
- Obey the rules of the road, particularly for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings.
- Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
- Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights.
- Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists.
- Not carry passengers or goods.
- Not use the footpath.
- Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
- Not use a Mobile phone.