E-scooters

An electric scooter or e-scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by an electric motor. It comes under the new category of powered personal transporters (PPTs). It is designed to be used by one person only.

Technical requirements

In Ireland, e-scooters must:

• Weigh a maximum of 25 kilograms (including batteries)
• Travel at speeds of 20 km/h or less
• Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 400 watts or less
• Have wheels of at least 200mm diameter
• Have front and rear lights (switched on during lighting-up hours and darkness), reflectors, front and rear brakes, and a bell
• Have a manufacturer’s plate showing the power output, weight, and design speed
• Be in roadworthy condition

E-scooters that do not meet these technical requirements cannot be legally used on public roads.

E-scooters can be legally used on Irish roads since 20 May 2024. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 created a new vehicle class called powered personal transporters.

You do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

You must be 16 or over to use an e-scooter. An e-scooter must have a CE mark and the retailer must give you a declaration of conformity when you buy it.

Below you can read some of the rules and find helpful safety tips.

Where you can use an e-scooter

• 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.

Rules of the road

• Follow the rules of the road, especially for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and zebra crossings.
• You must follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.
• Gardaí can confiscate e-scooters ridden by people under 16.
• Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time.
• E-scooters are not designed for carrying goods or passengers.
• You must not park an e-scooter in no-parking zones like loading bays, accessible parking and charging bays.
• You must not use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.

You do not need:

• A vehicle registration plate
• Motor tax
• A driving licence
• Compulsory insurance

If you break the road rules or use an e-scooter dangerously, you can be fined. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a list of fixed charge offences that apply (pdf). A fixed charge fine is €50.

You can be prosecuted if your e-scooter is not kept in roadworthy condition.

You cannot speed or use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.

You must not ride the e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Riding under the influence can result in a court appearance and a fine of up to €2,000.

It is important to look after your safety and the safety of others on the road. Follow these safety tips when driving your e-scooter:

• Take weather conditions into consideration.
• Be seen; wear reflective (hi-vis) clothing and personal protection gear.
• You should wear a helmet, although this is not legally required.
• Do not use headphones.
• Be mindful of others on the road.

If another vehicle injures you

Take the following steps:

1. Report the incident to the Gardaí (give helmet camera footage if you have it).
2. Swap details with the driver, including their insurance details.
3. Get medical help if you are injured.

If you collide with an e-scooter

Take the following steps:

1. Report the accident to the Gardaí.
2. Ask for the person’s name and address. Get details, such as the make, model, and engine size of the e-scooter they are using if you can.
3. Get medical help if you are injured.

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.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has a guide to help you when buying your e-scooter.

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