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Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Question: Travelling to my office through city traffic is taking me longer because of increased congestion. Can I travel by electric scooter instead?
Answer: An electric scooter (sometimes called an e-scooter) is a small platform with two or more wheels that is propelled by an electric motor. The rider can also propel the electric scooter forward by pushing off the ground.
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Electric scooters and electric skateboards fall into the category of ‘mechanically propelled vehicles’ (as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1961). If a vehicle can be powered by mechanical or electrical power alone, then it is considered to be a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’.
Under Irish road traffic law, people using such vehicles in a public place must have insurance, road tax and a driving licence. There are penalties under road traffic laws (including fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizure of the vehicle) for not being in compliance with these requirements. As it is currently not possible to tax or insure electric scooters or skateboards, they are not considered suitable for use in public places.
However, the Road Safety Authority is carrying out research as to how electric scooters and other such vehicles are regulated in other countries, particularly in other EU member states. The goal is to understand the road safety implications of the use of such vehicles on public roads, especially when interacting with other vehicles.
You can read frequently asked questions about electric vehicles on rsa.ie.
Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
• Contact us in Tralee on Tel: 0761 07 7860 Killarney 0761 07 7820, Listowel 0761 07 7840 Kenmare 0761 07 7810, & Caherciveen 0761 07 7780. Outreach Services; Killorglin weekly, Dingle monthly, please call Tralee for more information.
Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000
