E-scooter rules in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: E-scooters that meet the technical requirements may be used on public roads from age 18, at up to 20 km/h, and riders must wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing. No driving licence, registration, motor tax or insurance is required. They are used like a bicycle and never on the footpath.

RuleWhat applies
Use on public roadsAllowed [1]
Driving licenceNo driving licence is needed. [2]
Minimum age18 years [3]
Helmet requiredYes [4]
Insurance requiredNo [2]
Plate or stickerNo registration, motor tax or number plate is required. The e-scooter must carry the manufacturer's plate certifying power output, weight and design speed. [2]
Maximum speedup to 20 km/h (design speed) [1]
Where to rideUsed in the same way as a bicycle on public roads: keep to the left, including in cycle lanes and bus lanes. Never on the footpath. [1]
Passengers allowedNo [1]
Alcohol limitNo numerical alcohol limit is set for e-scooters. It is an offence to drive a powered personal transporter in a public place while under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of it. On summary conviction the fine is up to EUR 2,000. [5]

Notes

  • Only e-scooters that meet the technical requirements of S.I. 199 of 2024 may be used on public roads: motor of 400 W or less, net weight of 25 kg or less, design speed of 20 km/h or less, wheels of at least 200 mm, front and rear lights and reflectors, brakes, a bell, a manufacturer's plate, and no seat.
  • Taken from the RSA e-scooter page as archived on 18 June 2026; the live RSA page could not be read on 13 October 2026. The Department of Transport page (updated 24 September 2026) lists the 2026 amendments, which concern the helmet and the age only.
  • The minimum age rose from 16 to 18 on 2 October 2026 (S.I. 489 of 2026). Older guides, and the RSA page as archived on 18 June 2026, still give 16.
  • Since 4 September 2026 (S.I. 455 of 2026) riders must wear a securely fastened helmet and high-visibility clothing covering at least the front and back of the torso. Before that date both were only recommended.
  • Section 6 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 names the powered personal transporter, and the Department of Transport lists e-scooters under that term. The RSA gives the same maximum fine.

Sources

  1. Department of Transport (gov.ie): E-Scooters (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Road Safety Authority (RSA): E-scooters (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 June 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Irish Statute Book (Office of the Attorney General): S.I. No. 489/2026 - Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Irish Statute Book (Office of the Attorney General): S.I. No. 455/2026 - Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  5. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts): Road Traffic Act 2010 (revised) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.