Electric scooters are a common sight in Ireland streets. The gadgets propelled by onboard battery-powered motors offer many a convenient means of getting around their neighbourhood.
They whizz by silently providing an alternative means of transport for city dwellers.
2024 Regulation Updates
There’s been an increase in accidents in Ireland and there’s going to be upcoming road safety regulations being announced soon. Here are some:
– You must be over 16 to be on a public road.
– Must not drive over 20kmph
– You will not be allowed carry passengers or goods
– A cycle lane must be used and not on footpaths.
What drives the E-scooter’s popularity in Ireland?
So, what makes these gadgets so popular? Well, the scooters are favourite to many because they are cheaper to acquire when compared to buying a car.
The scooters are also less costly to maintain and operate. All you need to do is charge the scooter overnight to get it ready for an epic outing the next day.
Additionally, because they come in a compact design, they don’t take much parking space. You can park in corridors of offices, or squeeze it at the corner of your room.
Are E-scooters legal in Ireland?
There has been a perceived confusion on the legality of e-scooters in Ireland.
As a result, many people are still in the dark on legal requirements such as the tax and insurance rules needed to operate the device.
Some people believe that if your device is limited to 70kmph, you don’t need to pay any tax.
In Ireland, any mode of transport that is mechanically propelled (MPVs) should meet the legal requirements for operating the device on Ireland roads. These requirements include:
- Your vehicle should have functional brakes, audible warning devices such as a horn, headlamps, reflectors, rear lighting, and steering.
- You must wear a helmet and a reflector.
- You should have a driving license.
- You must be tax compliant.
- You should have third party insurance.
- You should not ride the vehicle on bike lanes.
The big question therefore is; are electric scooters mechanically propelled?
Because electric scooters don’t require any input from a rider for it to move, it can be considered as a mechanically propelled vehicle.
But again, mechanically propelled vehicles should be driven from a standing start by the electric motor and the E-scooter lacks this feature.
For this reason, the E-scooter is not considered as a mechanically powered vehicle, and so riders argue rightly that they don’t have to meet the above-outlined laws for them to drive the devices in Ireland.
The jury is still out on whether E-scooters should be subjected to the rules governing mechanically powered vehicles or not.
A New E-Scooter Bill Is In The Offing.
A new electric scooter bill has been published.
The bill published by Fine Gael TD and Noel Rock, seeks to remove the confusion surrounding the electric scooters.
The main goal of the bill is to prevent e-scooters from being classified as mechanically propelled vehicles.
If you are considering making a purchase any time soon, you should familiarize yourself with all the laws touching on electric scooters.
Which Scooters Are The Best To Buy?
There are several leading brands to choose from if you are looking for an outstanding unit.
One leading brand is the Xiaomi M365 electric scooter. This brand is arguably one of the best in the market currently.
The scooter is designed to give a maximum speed of 25kph within a range of 30kms on a single charge.
You can cleverly sidestep the mechanically powered vehicle classifications because it comes with a manual start feature.
It also comes with a compact design that makes parking effortless.
The sturdy frame is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, which boasts of a low density and high structural strength.
It is made to be durable thanks to the excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance features.
You can also ride conveniently at night owing to the safety lighting headlights that you can’t find easily in other scooters.
Besides, red tail lights flashes distinctly when you brake to warn other pedestrians and vehicles on the roads you are using.
You will also cover a longer distance on a single charge thanks to the 18650mAh high capacity lithium batteries, which are supplied by LG.
How do I select the best e-scooter?
Settling for the best scooter can be a daunting task.
The market is full of many diverse brands, and choosing the best that meets your needs can be confusing and overwhelming.
However, there are key shopping factors that you need to consider to make an easy and convenient selection. These factors include:
Versatility and convenience-The rule of thumb dictates you always go for a device that meets your specific needs.
Even if a particular unit has wowed you with unique designs and doesn’t meet your needs, it will be useless in the long run.
Besides, the E-scooter you choose should be versatile to handle all kinds of terrains.
Keep in mind the state of the road you will be travelling on to provide when choosing the most practical and functional unit.
Read reviews-Online reviews by previous users of the brand you are interested in will give you a deeper insight into its overall performance.
You should also read product reviews offered by leading sites that have tested the particular brand that interests you.
Some FAQ’s on E-Scooters in Ireland
An electric scooter or e-scooter as it’s also called is a motorised device with small platform with two or more wheels that is propelled by an electric battery powered motor. The user may also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing off the ground.
E-scooters have a motor and are considered to be a MPV.
According to the RSA Under road traffic law if an MPV is used in a public place it is subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles i.e. it must be roadworthy, registered, taxed and insured. The driver of the vehicle must hold the appropriate driving licence and is obliged to wear a crash helmet.
motor cycles?
Yes, you must wear a protective helmet at all times while using an e-scooter. You can find out more here.