Ireland introduces regulations for e-scooters, paving the way for shared schemes

Ireland has implemented new regulations allowing the use of private e-scooters on public roads, with a speed limit capped at 20 km/h. Local councils can now introduce shared e-scooter schemes, which align with the government's climate action and sustainable transport policies. These regulations aim to integrate e-scooters into the evolving transport landscape while ensuring safety, especially for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.

Previously illegal on roads, e-scooters are now subject to the same rights and obligations as cyclists. All e-scooters must have front and rear lights and two independent braking systems, and it is illegal for more than one person to ride a single scooter. Local authorities are considering shared e-scooter schemes, but these will require bylaw amendments. Various councils, including those in Dublin, Fingal, Limerick, and Galway, are assessing the feasibility of such schemes.

The new legislation also includes a weight limit of 25kg for e-scooters and a ban on use by under-16s, causing concern among e-scooter providers. The weight restriction, meant to prioritise safety, might in fact exclude many current models, potentially reducing the benefits of legalising e-scooters in Ireland.