Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the implementation of legislation with regard to e-scooters and e-bikes; what safety measures he is considering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43883/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 69 together.

The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law on 23 June. The Act creates a new vehicle category called powered personal transporters (PPTs), which includes e-scooters and future micro-mobility devices as needed. Unlike mechanically propelled vehicles such as cars, trucks and buses, PPTs do not require registration, tax or motor insurance. PPT users do not require a licence and, accordingly, driver testing is not required.

My Department is preparing regulations for e-scooters, which will set out the rules for their safe use in public places and the technical requirements and safety standards they must meet for legal use on Irish roads. E-scooters will remain illegal to use in public places and on public roads until these regulations are in place, and An Garda Síochána may seize them.

Amongst other requirements, the proposed regulations will set down that e-scooters intended for use on public roads must:

• have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 W or less

• have a maximum net 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 and reflectors, brakes and a bell

• be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.

E-scooters may only be used by those over the age of 16 and may not be used on footpaths or in pedestrianised areas. A speed limit of 20 km/h will apply.

E-bikes are not PPTs and as such will be subject to different regulations. The Road Traffic and Roads Act makes a distinction between low-powered e-bikes and higher-powered models, which will now be known as e-mopeds.

E-bikes with:

• A maximum power output of 250W,

• a motor cut-off speed of 25km/hr and

• a requirement for pedalling

will continue to be treated as bicycles under Irish law and there will be no change to the legal status of these pedal assist e-bikes with the following characteristics:

• People who own, or are considering buying, an e-bike below these thresholds can continue to use them on public roads and in cycle and bus lanes. They will not need to register, tax or insure their e-bikes or hold a driver’s licence.
• E-bikes, like bicycles, are not permitted to use footpaths or motorways.