E-mopeds

An electric moped or e-moped is a battery-powered vehicle.

E-mopeds have greater electrical power than e-bikes and can often go faster than a fast cyclist. Vehicles that have electric motor power without pedalling are also classed as e-mopeds. E-mopeds are categorised as mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) under Irish law.

All e-moped users must register with Revenue and pay annual motor tax.

There are 2 categories of e-moped with different requirements:

• L1e-A e-mopeds (pedal assisted) – no requirement for insurance or a driving licence
• L1e-B e-mopeds (pedal or throttle assisted) – a driving licence is required and insurance is required for throttle assisted e-mopeds

Pedal assisted means the electric motor cuts off when you stop pedalling.

Throttle assisted means the electric motor continues to run when you stop pedalling.

E-mopeds can be legally used on Irish roads since 20 May 2024 under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.

You must be 16 or over to use an e-moped.

Where you can use an e-moped

• L1e-A e-mopeds can use cycle and bus lanes.
• L1e-B e-mopeds are not allowed in cycle or bus lanes.
• Do not use footpaths.

Rules of the road

• Follow the rules of the road.
• Follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.
• Follow the traffic lights.
• Drive on the left.
• Follow all traffic signs in the same way they apply to all motorists.
• Follow all posted speed limits.
• Do not hold or use your mobile phone.
• Wear a motorcycle helmet.
• Have front and rear lighting on your e-moped, as for motorbikes.

An L1e-A e-moped is a pedal assisted e-moped that meets the following technical requirements:

• Travels at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour
• Has a maximum power output of up to 1,000 watts
• Has a motor output that progressively reduces and finally cuts off before the speed reaches 25 km per hour

As a L1e-A e-moped user, you must:

• Register your e-moped with Revenue (using the same registration process for other vehicles)
• Pay annual motor tax (€35)
• Have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer so you can register it with Revenue

You do not need compulsory insurance or a driving licence.

An L1e-B e-moped is a battery powered cycle that meets the following technical requirements:

• Travels at speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour
• Has a maximum power output of up to 4,000 watts

An L1e-B e-moped that does not need pedalling and can be powered by its motor alone is called a throttle assisted e-moped.

As an L1e-B user, you must:

• Register your e-moped with Revenue (same registration process as for other vehicles)
• Pay annual motor tax of €35
• Have completed IBT (Initial Basic Training) motorcycle riding lessons
• Hold a Category AM driving licence
• Have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer so you can register your e-moped with Revenue

As a an L1e-B throttle assisted e-moped user you must also:

• Get motor insurance

Below is a table outlining the two main types of e-mopeds.

The penalty points system for cars and motorcycles also applies to all e-mopeds.

A full list of penalty points and offences is available on the Road Safety Authority website.

You must not use an e-moped under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If charged, you face the same penalties as a motorist.

For more information see the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Transport websites.

The Department of Transport has a summary table of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-mopeds available on the website.

Read our pages about e-scooters and e-bikes.