Buying electric bikes and scooters

Please note that these guides do not constitute legal advice and any information provided in the guides should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. We do not accept any liability for any loss caused by your reliance on this guide.

The DoneDeal guide to buying electric bikes and scooters

Tips for buying

• Match the load of the scooter to the passenger’s weight: Every scooter has a maximum load guidance.
• The maximum power for a child’s scooter is 120 watts.
• Check and test the brakes: Electric scooters’ brakes are similar to a bicycle’s brakes. A foot-powered scooter will have lower tech brakes on the back wheel.
• Check for rust and wear and tear.
• Try to find out how old the vehicle is, ideally via a warranty or receipt.

The law

Electric bikes and scooters are permitted on private residences, or when you have the appropriate license, insurance and road tax. This means that it is not legal for children to use them on public paths and roads.

A statement from An Garda Siochana says:

The legal position is that if one of these scooters can be powered by mechanical or electrical power alone, and does not require pedalling or scooting for propulsion, then the scooter is considered to be a mechanically propelled vehicle (MPV) in terms of road traffic legislation, irrespective of engine capacity.

• If such scooters are to be used in any public place, they require insurance and road tax as with any other MPV.
• The driver would also require a driving licence and is obliged to wear a crash helmet.
• If the user of such a scooter cannot fulfil these legal requirements, then the scooter should only be used on private property.