Are E-scooters Legal in Ireland?

E-scooters have become a common sight on Irish streets over the past few years, whether it’s for the daily commute or a quick spin to the shops. But for a long time there was a fair bit of confusion about whether they were actually legal to use on the road. In May 2024, legislation was introduced to make E-scooters legal on public roads in Ireland, as long as they meet certain standards and E-scooter users follow the rules of the road.

Below we’ll break down what counts as an E-scooter under the law, where you can and can’t use one, the penalties for getting it wrong and where you stand when it comes to insurance.

Please note that this post serves as a guide only. It is not an interpretation of the current Irish legislation and should not be taken as legal advice.

What Are E-scooters?

An electric scooter or E-scooter is a small, two-wheeled stand-on vehicle that’s powered by an electric motor. They are designed to be used by one person only, with the user or rider controlling the scooter using handlebars. In Irish law they fall under a category called “powered personal transporters,” or PPTs, which was created by the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. The detailed rules that govern them come from regulations that commenced on 20 May 2024.

It’s worth clearing up a common mix-up here. E-scooters are not the same as e-bikes. An e-bike has pedals and is treated differently under the law. The rules below apply specifically to E-scooters.

Are E-scooters Legal on Public Roads in Ireland?

Since May 2024, you can legally use an E-scooter on public roads in Ireland, provided the scooter meets the standards set out in the regulations. If it doesn’t, then it may not be legal for road use. So, it’s always worth knowing the risks and checking the specification before you buy or ride one.

E-scooters are also treated differently from cars and motorbikes in one important way: they do not require motor tax or insurance to be used on Irish roads. More on the insurance side further down.

What Are the Rules for E-scooter Users?

According to the RSA, E-scooter users meet and follow a specific set of rules. The main ones are:

• Users must be aged 16 years or older
• Users must keep to a speed limit of 20 km/h
• E-scooters must drive on the left and only in cycle or bus lanes and on local, regional or national roads.
• Users must abide by the same rules of the road as cyclists, including obeying Garda instructions, traffic lights, road signs and pedestrian crossings. 
• E-scooters must have front and rear lights and reflectors; as well as be fitted with an audible bell or warning device 
• E-scooters must also be kept in a roadworthy conditions at all times

Additionally, E-scooter users are not permitted to: 

• Drive on footpaths, pedestrian areas or on the motorway
• Hold or use a mobile phone while driving 
• Have a seat fitted on their E-scooter
• Carry passengers

Under the current Irish legislation, E-scooter users are not required to wear a helmet or hi-vis clothing while riding. However, it is highly recommended that users wear a bicycle helmet at all times when riding an E-scooter, and wear high-vis or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor visibility. 

Are There Technical Specifications for E-scooters? 

To be considered road-legal, E-scooters must comply with a specific set of technical specifications for construction, electrical guidelines and robustness under EU directives. Under these rules, E-scooters must:

• Have a maximum continuous rated output of 400w or less.
• Have a maximum 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, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
• Be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.

Any E-scooter that does not conform to the above standards is deemed illegal for use in public, and can be seized by An Garda Síochána. 

Fines and Penalties for E-scooters

While the rules are fairly straightforward, breaking them can land you with a fine. Offences include using an E-scooter that doesn’t meet the technical standard, exceeding the limits, carrying a passenger, riding on a footpath, or users being under the minimum age.

Being found in breach of the rules can result in a fixed charge notice (FCN) being issued to the user of the E-scooter and include:

Offence	Fine
Electric scooter exceeding the speed limit.	€50
Driving an electric scooter in a public place without reasonable consideration for other people using the place.	€50
Failure to stop electric scooter for a school warden sign	€50
Failure to stop an electric scooter when so required by a member of Garda Síochána	€50
Using an electric scooter to carry goods	€50
Using an electric scooter to carry passengers	€50
Using an electric scooter equipped with a seat	€50
Using/holding a mobile phone while driving an E-scooter.	€50

A full list of FCNs that apply to E-scooters can be found on the RSA website.  

New Laws for E-scooters in Ireland

The Irish government has approved a stricter set of rules for the use of E-scooters in Ireland. Set to be introduced in August 2026, the new regulations ban anyone under the age of 18 from using an E-scooter. It will also be mandatory for E-scooter users to wear helmets and hi-visibility clothing and on-the-spot fines for all E-scooter offences will increase to €100, while fees for the release of detained E-scooters will double.

Insurance Considerations for E-scooters

This is where E-scooters differ from cars and motorbikes. Because they’re classed as powered personal transporters, E-scooter users are not legally required to have motor insurance, motor tax or even a driving licence. In other words, you don’t need to insure an E-scooter the way you would a car, and you can’t take out a motor policy on one.

That said, it’s still worth thinking about a couple of things:

Insurance Liability and E-scooters
If you injure someone or damage their property while riding, you could be held personally responsible for the cost. E-scooters aren’t covered by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland the way uninsured or untraced motor claims are, so E-scooter users may be held liable for damages.

E-scooter as a possession
Some home insurance policies may cover an E-scooter against theft or damage as one of your belongings, or might possibly include a level of personal liability cover. Cover varies from policy to policy, so it’s important to check your own documentation or ask your insurer.

What to Do If You’re in an E-scooter Accident

If you’re involved in an accident while using an E-scooter, the steps are the same as for any road incident:

Make sure you and anyone else involved are safe, and move out of the flow of traffic if you can. If anyone is injured, call the emergency services immediately. All serious collisions should be reported to An Garda Síochána.

Exchange details with any other parties involved, and take photos of the scene if it’s safe to do so. And seek medical attention for any injuries, even minor ones. And keep a record of your injuries and medical expenses. 

If you think you may be liable for damage or injury, or if your scooter was damaged or stolen, you should contact your insurer and provide full details of the incident. 

 

Are E-scooters Legal in Ireland?
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