Some bikes will have to be registered for the first time in Ireland under new plans by the Government to regularise the legal position of e-bikes on the roads. The rules will not impact regular bicycles - with no power source - and lower power e-bikes will also be exempt.
However, for the first time ever a category of bicycle - higher power e-bikes - will have to be registered, meaning some Revenue liabilities or charges will apply and the owners will be traceable.
The move comes as part of the Government's efforts to bring clarity to the legal position of e-bikes and e-scooters on the roads, as well as setting out clear the responsibilities of those people who own e-bikes and e-scooters.
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Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton TD (FG) has used a Dáil question reply to clarify what is planned under the new provisions in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill.
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She pointed out that under the Road Traffic Acts at present, electric scooters, or e-scooters, are defined as mechanically propelled vehicles and valid registration, licence, tax and insurance are required. However, the new Road Traffic and Roads Bill will remove e-scooters from this category and classify them instead as 'powered personal transporters'.
Only specific models of e-scooter will need to be registered, she said, adding: "Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are not classed as powered personal transporters and are considered separately in the Bill. Low-powered models, which are those which require manual input from the cyclist and are capable of achieving speeds of up to 25 km/h, will continue to be treated analogously to manual pedal cycles and registration will not be required.
"However, higher-powered models, which can be type-approved, will be classed as mechanically propelled vehicles and vehicle owners will therefore have to register their vehicle. The upcoming change of status for this type of vehicle was notified to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners earlier this year and my officials have been working closely with that Office to facilitate the change."
