LOCO is the only brand to launch Regulation-Matching scooters in the LOCO Motion Pro, LOCO Lite, and LOCO City, all of which are designed specifically for the Irish market. We have since received exclusive rights for PURE scooters within the Irish market and, together with PURE, have redesigned them to be regulation-matching in Ireland.
Below is a detailed overview of the current Irish regulations for e-scooters. All information is sourced directly from the official Road Safety Authority (RSA) guidelines.
From 20 May 2024, new laws will be introduced to make e-scooters legal in Ireland. Users must be 16 years or older and obey a speed limit of 20km/h. E-scooters are banned from footpaths and users can't carry passengers.
Key rules
From 20 May 2024, e-scooter users must:
- Be 16 years or older.
- Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
- Drive on the left. E-scooters are allowed in cycle or bus lanes and on local, regional or national roads.
- Have lights, a bell or audible warning device, reflectors and brakes on their e-scooter and it must be kept in a roadworthy condition at all times.
- Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden and follow the same rules of the road that apply to cyclists, including traffic lights, road signs, and all types of pedestrian crossings.
E-scooter users must NOT:
- Use footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways.
- Hold or use a mobile phone.
- Have a seat on their e-scooter.
- Carry passengers (for example, carry children to school).
- Carry goods (for example, food or parcel delivery).
| Type | Regulated vs non-regulated e-scooters | |
|---|---|---|
| Specification |
Low-power | High-power |
| What is the minimum age for use in public? |
16 years | Not applicable |
| What is the max continuous rated output (watts)? |
400W | More than 400W |
| What is the max speed I can do? |
20 km/h or less | More than 20km/h |
| What is the max weight (including batteries)? |
25kg | Over 25kg |
| Does my vehicle require EU-Type approval? |
Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Does my vehicle need to be registered? |
No |
Not legal on public roads |
| Does my vehicle need motor tax? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Do I need insurance? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Do I need to wear protective equipment? | Advised | Not legal on public roads |
| Do I need a driver’s licence? | No | Not legal on public roads |
| Can I use the footpath? |
No | No |
| Can I use the cycle lane? |
Yes | No |
| Can I use the bus lane? |
Yes | No |
| Allowed on local/regional routes? |
Yes | No |
| Allowed on national roads? |
Yes | No |
| Allowed on motorways? |
No | No |
Motorists sharing the road with e-scooters should follow the same guidelines as for cyclists. Drivers should give one metre clearance when overtaking in speed zones that are 50 km/h or under, and 1.5 metres in speed zones over 50 km/h.
E-scooter users must obey the rules of the road and familiarise themselves with the relevant traffic laws and regulations. Understanding speed limits, travel zones and other rules can help to responsibly share the road. Improper or dangerous use of an e-scooter will likely result in fines and/or the e-scooter being seized by An Garda Síochána.
Remaining visible and alert on the road is vital, so e-scooter users should wear high visibility clothing and they must not use or hold a mobile phone nor listen to music.
Always check the roadworthiness of an e-scooter before setting off, including brakes, steering, tyres and lighting. You must not carry goods, passengers or bulky items on an e-scooter as this will greatly affect the stability of the e-scooter and the safety of the user and other road users.
E-scooters for sale within the EU must comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and this has been transposed in national law by the Machinery Regulations S.I. 407/2008.
You should ensure that you buy from a reputable retailer/distributor, and checks should be carried out to ensure:
- In order for the e-scooter to be used in a public area in Ireland, it must comply with the technical requirements of S.I. 199 of 2024.
- The e-scooter 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-scooter, drawn up and signed by the manufacturer declaring it complies with the Machinery Directive and relevant standards.
Please note that an e-scooter with a price that appears to be too good to be true may not comply with the legislation or safety standards and may not be safe for use.
For the original documentation and full legislation, please visit the official Road Safety Authority (RSA) website.
