Gardaí warn people to follow new laws for e-scooters and other vehicles
There are range of vehicles with different capabilities
There are new regulations regarding battery powered or assisted bikes and
scooters, and since May 20, gardaí now have the powers to stop and take details from someone using one of these, the same as with any other vehicle on the road.
Sergeant Ber Leetch, the crime prevention officer with Henry Street garda station explained: “These bikes or scooters can be detained if a person gives false or misleading information or cannot verify their identity at a scene. There are additional powers for dangerous driving, the vehicle can be seized and the owner has to apply to the court to have the vehicle returned.”
In terms of e-scooters, there are two types. A low-powered scooter has a max speed limit of 20km per hour and cannot carry more than one person at a time and the person in control must be 16 or older.
This type of scooter must not have a seat and can’t be used to carry goods.
It can use the cycle lane and is subject to the same traffic rules as a bicycle, must have front and back lights, brakes and an audible warning device, like a bell.
A high-powered scooter then (over 400w) is not legal on public roads.
Sergeant Leetch said: “Persons riding these scooters are doing it illegally may have their scooter seized and may face prosecution.”
E-bikes then are battery assisted bicycles and are subject to the same rules as pedal powered ones, but the battery must stop assisting at a max speed of 25km per hour.
There are also e-mopeds, and these are limited to 25km an hour in low-power models and 45km an hour in high-power models.
Both types must be registered with the Department of Transport, but it doesn’t require insurance.
Riders must wear a helmet and can use cycle and bus lanes.
All of these vehicles have a manufacturer’s plate, which outlines the make, model, weight, and power output of the vehicle and it is an offence to remove or interfere with this plate.