EXPLAINER: All you need to know about new e-scooter rules

New legislation concerning e-scooters and e-bikes has come into effect.

From this Monday, May 20, rules surrounding safe technical parameters and usage of e-scooters and e-bikes have been set out.

Under 16s won't be allowed to ride these electric scooters and bikes out in public areas, while a new speed limit of 20km/h has been introduced. 

These are just some of the new rules, while other rules include e-scooters with a seat will be illegal and people using e-scooters or e-bikes will have to use bus lanes/bike lanes, rather than footpaths.

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have been involved in the development of these regulations from the start and the gardaí will be responsible for their enforcement.

In a statement issued last week on social media, gardaí highlighted some of the key facts around the legislation.

They said: "Under 16s will not be permitted to use an e-scooter in a public place, no more than one person will be permitted to be on an e-scooter at a time, [and] for an e scooter to be used without tax, insurance and a driving license, it will have a maximum speed of no more than 20 km/h.

"Last year, there were more than 220 e-scooter crashes or collisions recorded by gardaí, with 54 resulting in serious or fatal injuries. E-scooters and e-bikes are an increasing feature in all cities, towns and villages in Ireland.

"The introduction of these new rules provides a legal basis for the range of vehicles available and the correct way of using them. This will help improve the safety for other road users as well as the vehicle users themselves."

The upcoming regulations set out clearly how different types of e-scooters and e-bikes can be used safely. They can be found here.

From 20 May 2024, all e-scooter users must:

• Be 16 years or older.
• Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
  
• Drive on the left. E-scooters are allowed in cycle or bus lanes and on local, regional or national roads.
• Have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes on their e-scooter and it must be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times.
• Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden and follow the same rules of the road that apply to cyclists, including traffic lights, road signs, and all types of pedestrian crossings.

E-scooter users must NOT:

• Use footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways.
• Hold or use a mobile phone.
• Have a seat on their e-scooter.
• Carry passengers or goods.