Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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463. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in light of the growing safety and enforcement challenges associated with high-powered electric scooters and electric bikes, he is considering the introduction of compulsory registration and identification requirements for such vehicles, particularly those capable of reaching higher speeds; and the steps being taken to ensure these vehicles are subject to appropriate regulation, enforcement, and traceability, in the interest of public safety and accountability. [20108/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 (SI 199 of 2024) www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/199/made/en/print provide for technical standards and conditions for the safe use of e-scooters. E-scooters used on public roads must:

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

• have a maximum net weight of 25 kilograms (including batteries)

• have a maximum design speed of 20 kilometres per hour or less

• have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200 millimetres

• 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

• not have a seat.

Higher-powered e-scooters which exceed these parameters are not legal to use on public roads and are subject to enforcement by An Garda Siochana. In addition, as e-scooters are not currently type-approved at EU level, the issue of registration does not arise.

The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/16/enacted/en/html - Part 12 and the Road Traffic Act 2024 www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/10/enacted/en/html - Part 5 provide for the specifications of e-bikes and e-mopeds.

An e-bike is a pedal-assisted electric bicycle with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. E-bikes are treated in the same way as bicycles and do not require motor tax, registration or insurance.

E-mopeds are more powerful pedal-assisted e-bikes and those which can operate on the motor alone (throttle-assisted) and are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles.

There are two types of e-moped:

• L1e-A: pedal-assisted, with a maximum speed of 25 kph and maximum power of up to 1,000 Watts.
• L1e-B: pedal or throttle-assisted, with a maximum speed of 45 kph and maximum power of up to 4,000 Watts.