Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 55:

In page 43, line 18, to delete “55 kilograms,” and substitute “25 kilograms, or such other maximum unladen weight as the Minister prescribes,”.

As Deputies will be aware, this was a much sought-after provision in the Bill in the context of the regulation of powered personal transporters, PPT. Typically, these are e-scooters or other similar devices. In the published Bill, certain technical details characterising such vehicles are included in the revised definition for PPTs. We are amending paragraph (b) of section 16(e) by lowering the maximum unladen weight permitted to 25 kg and paragraph (d) of section 16(e) by increasing the continuous rated power permitted to 0.5 kW. The maximum speed of 25 km/h set out in paragraph (c) of section 16(e) will remain unchanged. These specifications are proposed as standard for vehicles falling under this category. Following expert advice, I am also amending paragraph (d) of section 16(e) by clarifying that for vehicles where there is more than one motor, a combined rated power of 0.5 kW is the maximum limit. Making these changes to the specifications for this class of vehicle will ensure that PPTs remain outside the scope of the EU motor insurance directive, which applies to mechanically propelled vehicles, and consequently will not require insurance for use on Irish roads.

Even in the time since work on this Bill commenced, the reality of a maturing e-scooter market has been noted. The work of the Road Safety Authority informs our thinking. My solution is therefore to satisfy the recommendations of that organisation and the wider public interest is to insert or such other values "as the Minister prescribes” in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of section 16(e) in order that the weight, speed, and power output in the definition may be revised as needed through regulations.

This will future-proof our road traffic legislation, allowing us to make necessary updates as the sector grows and providng an opportunity for further consultation once the Bill has been enacted. Those are the key provisions. It does not apply to e-bikes which are not powered personal devices. It does provide a standard provision for e-scooters and other powered personal transporters, PPTs, in the market today.