The government has passed legislation around the use of e-scooters on Irish roads and in public spaces.
The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 will see the creation of a new class of vehicles called ‘powered personal transporters,' which will cover e-scooters and electric bikes.
A batch of new rules will be implemented for owners of these vehicles including a minimum and maximum speed limit, as well as a maximum weight allowed for each vehicle.
At this point the legislation doesn’t mention the need for a licence, however, no one under the age of 16 should operate them on roads.
It will now be considered an offence for anyone to be selling e-scooters or e-bikes to anyone under the age of 16.
Other rules associated with the new bill include the following:
- A powered personal transporter cannot weigh over 55kg
- Speeds cannot be below 6km/h and above 25km/h with "an electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power less than or equal to 0.25 kilowatts"
- People using powered personal transporter in a public place cannot hold on to any other vehicle which is in motion or hold on to any person or thing on, in, or attached to, any vehicle
- Drivers will also be committing an offence by using a phone or entertainment device while operating a powered personal transporter
- Councils will also be able to set a 20km/h speed limit on certain roads
- Powered personal transporter will also be banned from motorways
Speaking about the updated bill, Minister Eamon Ryan said; “I am very pleased today to be able to publish this important legislation, which I hope to introduce in the Dáil in the next few weeks.
“We committed in the Programme for Government to resolving legal barriers to the use of e-scooters, as well as e-bikes, and this Bill will deliver on both of those commitments.
“These proposals in the Bill should be seen as part of our wider efforts to encourage alternative forms of mobility, reduce our culture of reliance on the private car and open opportunities for active and healthy travel.”
