Find Your Category

The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 introduced a new vehicle category for light electric vehicles, including e-scooters, and clarified the definition of electric bicycles and e-mopeds. There are four main types in Ireland:

• e-scooters, which are a type of powered personal transporter

• e-bikes, which are a type of pedal cycle

• L1e-A and L1e-B e-mopeds, which are mechanically propelled vehicles.

Different regulations apply for each, so it is important to understand what category a light electric vehicle is in. Use the questions below to find your category.

Does the scooter have a standing platform and no seat?

If yes, this is an e-scooter.

Users must now be 16 years or over to legally operate e-scooters. E-scooters must not be used on footpaths or pedestrianised areas, or have maximum continuous rated power over 400 watts. The maximum speed must be no more than 20 kilometres per hour.

Only electric scooters that meet these regulations set out in SI 199 of 2024can be used on public roads.

Visit the E - Scooters section for full technical and usage requirements.

Visit the RSA page on E-Scooters for Road Users for Frequently Asked Questions.

Does the electric bicycle have a motor that continues to run when pedalling stops?

If yes, this is a throttle-assisted L1e-B e-moped.

No matter their speed or maximum continuous rated power, these vehicles require registration, motor tax and insurance. Users must hold a Category AM driver’s licence to operate them. Motorcycle helmets are required.

Visit the L1e-B e-Mopeds section for full technical and usage requirements.

Does the electric bicycle have a motor that cuts out when pedalling stops, a maximum continuous rated power of 1,000 to 4,000 watts and a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour?

If yes, this is a pedal-assisted L1e-B e-moped.

These vehicles require registration and motor tax, but not insurance. Users must hold a Category AM driver’s licence to operate them. Motorcycle helmets are required.

Visit the L1e-B e-Mopeds section for full technical and usage requirements.

Does the electric bicycle have a motor that cuts out when pedalling stops, a maximum continuous rated power of 1,000 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour?

If yes, this is an L1e-A e-moped.

These vehicles require registration and motor tax but do not require insurance. Motorcycle helmets are required. L1e-A e-Mopeds are permitted to use cycle and bus lanes.

Visit the L1e-A E-Moped section for full technical and usage requirements.

Does the electric bicycle have a motor that cuts out when pedalling stops, a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour?

If yes, this is an e-bike.

E-bikes are treated the same as bicycles, and the same rules for use apply. They can be used in cycle and bus lanes, but not on footpaths or pedestrianised areas.

Visit the E - Bikes section for full technical and usage requirements.

You can download an overview of all definitions, specifications, requirements and restrictions in our Item was unpublished or removed.

Visit the RSA page on E-Bikes and E-Mopeds for Road Users for Frequently Asked Questions.