Low-speed electric bikes, e-scooters will be exempt from registration, taxes and insurance

DUBLIN: The government has decided to exempt low-speed electric bikes and e-scooters from registration, tax and insurance. Vehicles that cannot travel at a speed of more than 25 km/h are excluded.

Specific legislation for e-bikes and e-scooters comes in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill. The law will treat e-bikes with speeds not exceeding 25 km/h the same as regular pedal bikes.

However, e-bikes that allow pedal assist at over 25km/h will require registration, insurance and taxation under legislation that has yet to reach the Oireachtas. Only those with a driving license are allowed to ride such bikes.

Transport Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said registration of more powerful electric bikes is necessary because they pose risks to pedestrians. E-bikers will be restricted from using pedestrian areas or bike lanes.

Ms Naughton said his officials are now communicating with insurance industry representatives about high-powered electric bikes. She said e-scooters will now be reclassified as “motorized personal transporters”.