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Road Users

E-bikes and E-mopeds

New rules and how to follow them.

From 20 May 2024, the laws in Ireland will change to classify different types of electric bikes. The information on this page offers an explanation of these vehicle categories and the rules that apply.

Moped driver

Types of electric bikes

In Ireland, e-bike means a bicycle with an electric motor up to 250 Watts. It is pedalled, or pedal assisted, and the motor cuts out when pedaling stops or the speed reaches 25kph. E-bikes are treated as regular bicycles and can be used in cycle lanes.

Under the new legislation, more powerful pedal assisted e-bikes and bicycles operating on the motor alone (throttle assisted) are categorised as mechanically propelled vehicles (MPV*s), and are called e-mopeds. E-mopeds are more powerful electric bicycles and there are two types:

  1. L1e-A:  this is a pedal assisted/throttle e-moped, with a maximum speed of 25kph and maximum power of up to 1,000 Watts.
  2. L1e-B: this is a two wheeled moped, with a maximum speed of 45kph and maximum power of 4,000 Watts.
Moped driver

E-bike FAQs

IMPORTANT! These FAQs are meant as a guide only. They are not an interpretation of the law. For legal advice, please consult your solicitor.

E-moped FAQs

IMPORTANT! These FAQs are meant as a guide only. They are not an interpretation of the law. For legal advice, please consult your solicitor.

*Definition of  Mechanically Propelled Vehicle (MPV)

The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 amended the definition of an MPV under the Road Traffic Act 1961 at Section 3(1) (a) and (b), “mechanically propelled vehicle” is defined as ‘subject to subsection (2) of this section, a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including; 

(a) a bicycle or tricycle— 

(i) with an attachment for propelling it solely by mechanical power or solely by electrical power, whether or not the attachment is being used, and having a maximum design speed of no less than 6 kilometres per hour, or 

(ii) capable of propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated on it, and equipped with an auxiliary electric motor— 

(I) which has a maximum continuous rated power greater than 0.25 kilowatts, and 

(II) the output of which cuts off when the physical exertions stop, 

(b) a vehicle the means of propulsion of which is electrical or partly electrical and partly mechanical,  

but not including a tramcar or other vehicle running on permanent rails or a powered personal transporter.’ 

Related pages

E-scooters

From e-scooter laws and rules of the road to fines and tech specs, our FAQs answer your most common queries.

Drivers of other vehicles

Vehicle standards and FAQs for special purpose vehicles, including motorhomes, ride-on lawnmowers, motorised wheelchairs, hearses.