Mopeds in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: A moped (category AM) can be ridden from age 16 with a category AM licence, a helmet and insurance. Learners must complete Initial Basic Training, and the moped must be registered and taxed.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to ridePrivately owned; Moped (category AM)16 years [1]
LicencePrivately owned; Moped (category AM)Category AM licence. Learners need a learner permit (after the motorcycle theory test) and must complete 16 hours of Initial Basic Training (IBT) before riding. A full licence follows a category AM driving test. [2]
Helmet requiredPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)Yes [3]
Insurance requiredPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)Yes [2]
Plate / registrationPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)The moped must have a valid Vehicle Registration Certificate and be taxed. [2]
Maximum design speedPrivately owned; Moped (category AM)up to 45 km/h (design speed) [2]

Notes

  • The RSA website returned an access error to the research server. This value is taken from an Internet Archive snapshot of the RSA page dated 28 April 2025.
  • The RSA guide (Internet Archive snapshot of 29 December 2021) lists the legal requirements for riders of a 'motorcycle or moped': be properly insured, have the motorcycle taxed and wear a securely fastened helmet. Its text uses the word 'motorcycle'.
  • The RSA page names the Vehicle Registration Certificate and taxation. It does not describe the registration plate. Internet Archive snapshot of 28 April 2025.
  • Category AM covers a two-wheeled vehicle with an engine up to 50 cc or an electric motor up to 4 kW and a design speed of at least 25 km/h and not more than 45 km/h. Learners on an AM permit may not use motorways.

Sources

  1. Citizens Information (Citizens Information Board): Categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Road Safety Authority: Moped and light quadricycle - AM (Internet Archive snapshot of 28 April 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Road Safety Authority: This is your bike: a safety guide for you and your motorcycle or moped (Internet Archive snapshot of 29 December 2021) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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