E-bikes and E-mopeds

An e-bike is a pedal assisted electric bicycle with an electric motor for propulsion and its own battery system. It has a maximum continuous rated output of 250 Watts and cuts out before reaching 25km/h. An e-bike is regarded under Irish law as equivalent to a conventional bicycle.

E-bike users must:

• Drive on the left, including in cycle and bus lanes. 
• Obey the rules of the road.
• Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
• Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights.
• Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists.
• Not use the footpath.
• Obey all posted speed limits. 
• Not hold or use a mobile phone.

E-bikes are treated as bicycles. There is no law against children riding them in a public place, however we strongly recommend that young children are always supervised.

Yes. E-bikes are treated as regular bicycles and may be used in cycle and bus lanes. 

E-bikes will be permitted:

• to use cycle and bus lanes.
• to use local, regional and national roads.

E-bikes will not be permitted:

• to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways. 

In addition, where a bicycle is not permitted, e-bikes are not permitted either. Rules that cover bicycles also apply to e-bikes.

No. 

No. A driving licence is not required for an e-bike where the maximum speed is less than 25kph and the maximum power is less than 250 Watts.

For an e-bike, protective equipment such as helmets and high visibility clothing are strongly recommended but not legally required, however by law you must have front and rear lights on your e-bike and these must be switched on during lighting up hours and periods of darkness.

An e-bike may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-bike user charged with this offence will face a court appearance and can be fined up to €2000.

You should only buy an e-bike from a reputable retailer or distributor, and checks should be carried out to ensure:

• The e-bike is CE marked, with details of manufacturer, date of manufacture and designation/serial number on its CE plate. 
• A Declaration of Conformity must be provided with the e-bike, drawn up and signed by the manufacturer declaring the e-bike is in full compliance with the Machinery Directive and relevant standards.

Be wary of e-bikes with a price that appears too good to be true. These may not comply with the legislation or safety standards and may not be safe for use.

E-mopeds are more powerful electric bicycles and there are two types:

• L1e-A: this is a pedal assisted e-moped, with a maximum speed of 25kph and maximum continuous rated power of up to 1,000 Watts.
• L1e-B: this is a throttle assisted e-moped, with a maximum speed of 45kph and maximum continuous rated power of 4,000 Watts.

From 20 May 2024, e-mopeds will be legal to use on Irish roads. E-moped users must:

• Drive on the left.
• Obey the rules of the road.
• Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
• Obey all traffic lights.
• Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to other motorists.
• Not use the footpath.
• Obey all posted speed limits.
• Not hold or use a mobile phone.

No. E-mopeds are Mechanically Propelled Vehicles* (MPVs), the same as a car or motorbike, so it is illegal for a person under 16 to use one in a public place. 

L1e-A e-mopeds can use cycle and bus lanes.

L1e-B e-mopeds are not allowed in cycle or bus lanes, as these are technically mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs)* and therefore treated the same as a motorbike.

All e-mopeds are classed as Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (MPVs)*, like a car or motorbike, and therefore the same penalty points and related fines apply.

See a full list of Penalty Point offences

This depends on the type of e-moped:

• A driving licence is not needed for an L1e-A (pedal assisted e-moped, with a max speed of 25kph and max continuous rated power of up to 1,000 Watts).
• The more powerful L1e-B needs a moped (category AM) driving licence. These are two wheeled mopeds with a max speed of 45kph and max continuous rated power of 4,000 Watts.

Learn more about this licensing journey

You are automatically entitled to an AM licence where:

• you have held any motorbike category (A1, A2, A) licence in the previous 10 years.
• you were issued with a category B (car) driving licence before 21 October 2006, provided your category B driving licence has not expired by 10 years or more since then.

All e-mopeds must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners however, they are currently exempt from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).

Your e-moped must have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer, otherwise it can’t be registered. If it can't be registered, it can't be used in a public place. Please refer to the Revenue website for more information on what is required to register your e-moped.

Yes. Annual motor tax must be paid for both types of e-moped and a valid motor tax disc displayed when used in a public place. If you do not intend to use the vehicle in a public place, you must declare it off the road in advance. For more information, please contact your local motor tax office.

This depends on the power. Pedal assisted e-mopeds do not require insurance but throttle assisted e-mopeds that go above 25 km/h must have insurance. For more information, please contact your insurance provider.

For all e-mopeds (either L1e-A or B), you are legally required to wear an approved motorcycle helmet and have lighting on the front and rear of your e-moped, as for motorbikes. Protective clothing and high-vis clothing are strongly recommended for your own safety but not legally required. 

No. However, under road traffic law, the owner and driver must ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition when used in a public place. All parts and equipment must be in good working order. Failure to do so can result in prosecution.

An e-moped may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-moped user charged with this offence will face the same penalties as a motorist, including penalty points.

No. Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 (as amended) prohibits the supply of any MPV, including e-mopeds to a person under the age of 16.