Ireland could legalise e-scooters on its roads following the minister for transport’s announcement regarding the Irish government’s approval of draft legislation.
The forthcoming road traffic bill features proposals to create a new vehicle category that will be known as powered personal transporters and will include e-scooters and similar devices.
Under proposed legislation, e-scooters could be legally used in public places if they meet safety standards. Tax, insurance and driving licenses would not be required.
Ireland’s minister for transport, Eamon Ryan, said: “E-scooters have become an increasingly popular form of personal mobility in a short period of time. However, these devices are not legal under current Irish road traffic law.
“I am implementing the commitment in the programme for government to regulate their use by including amendments in the upcoming road traffic bill so that they can be used in a safe manner.”
The legislation would also clarify the classification of e-bikes. Under current Irish law, e-bikes are not classed as mechanically propelled vehicles or as pedal bicycles.
The new legislation would use EU standards as a reference point and would treat e-bikes mainly in the same way as pedal cycles with the more powerful models treated as light mopeds.
