I was given an e-scooter as a gift, am I allowed to use it?
Yes, e-scooters can be legally used on Irish roads by people aged over 16. Your scooter must meet
technical requirements, including a maximum weight of 25 kilos or less and a maximum speed of 20
km per hour or less.
Do I need to take a test and get a licence?
No, you do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not need to be registered, taxed
or insured.
Are they safe?
The e-scooter itself must have a CE mark on it. This is a European safety standard you should check
for on any electrical goods.
You can keep yourself safe on your e-scooter by wearing reflective clothing and personal protective
gear, taking weather conditions into consideration and avoiding the use of headphones while
driving.
What are the rules I need to follow?
E-scooters can be used on local, regional, and national roads. They cannot be used on
motorways.
You can use cycle and bus lanes.
You must drive on the left, including in cycle and bus lanes.
Follow the rules of the road, especially for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and zebra
crossings.
Gardaí can confiscate e-scooters ridden by people under 16.
Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time.
E-scooters are not designed for carrying goods or passengers.
You must not use an e-scooter on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
You must not park an e-scooter in no-parking zones like loading bays, accessible parking and
charging bays.
E-scooters are not allowed on State provided public transport, Luas, rail, or bus services (due
to concerns with lithium batteries).
You must not use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.
You must follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.
Read more about e-scooters on https://bit.ly/e-scooterslaw, or call us on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to
Friday, 9am to 8pm).
Know Your Rights has been compiled by South Connacht Citizens Information Service CLG, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 07 6330 Address: Boyle CIC, Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
