E-mopeds
- What is an e-moped?
- Are e-mopeds legal on public roads in Ireland?
- Rules for all e-mopeds
- Rules for L1e-A e-mopeds
- Rules for L1e-B e-mopeds
- E-moped requirements summary
- Offences and penalties
- More information
What is an e-moped?
An electric moped or e-moped is a battery-powered vehicle.
E-mopeds have greater electrical power than e-bikes and can often go faster than a fast cyclist. Vehicles that have electric motor power without pedalling are also classed as e-mopeds (typically throttle-assisted models). E-mopeds are categorised as mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) under Irish law.
All e-moped users must register with Revenue and pay annual motor tax.
There are 2 categories of e-moped with different requirements:
- L1e-A e-mopeds (pedal or throttle assisted) – no requirement for a driving licence or insurance, unless throttle assisted and weighs more than 25 kg and max design speed exceeds 14km/h
- L1e-B e-mopeds (pedal or throttle assisted) – a driving licence is required and insurance is required for throttle assisted e-mopeds
Pedal assisted means the electric motor cuts off when you stop pedalling.
Throttle assisted means the electric motor continues to run when you stop pedalling.
Both pedal and throttle systems may fall under L1e-A or L1e-B depending on power and speed.
Are e-mopeds legal on public roads in Ireland?
E-mopeds can be legally used on Irish roads since 20 May 2024 under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.
You must be 16 or over to use an e-moped.
Rules for all e-mopeds
Where you can use an e-moped
- L1e-A e-mopeds can use cycle and bus lanes.
- L1e-B e-mopeds are not allowed in cycle or bus lanes.
- Do not use footpaths.
Rules of the road
- Follow the rules of the road.
- Follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.
- Follow the traffic lights.
- Drive on the left.
- Follow all traffic signs in the same way they apply to all motorists.
- Follow all posted speed limits.
- Do not hold or use your mobile phone.
- Wear a motorcycle helmet.
- Have front and rear lighting on your e-moped, as for motorbikes.
Rules for L1e-A e-mopeds
An L1e-A e-moped is a pedal or throttle assisted e-moped that meets the following technical requirements:
- Travels at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour
- Has a maximum power output of up to 1,000 watts
- Has a motor output that progressively reduces and finally cuts off before the speed reaches 25 km per hour
As a L1e-A e-moped user, you must:
- Register your e-moped with Revenue (using the same registration process for other vehicles)
- Pay annual motor tax (€35)
- Have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer so you can register it with Revenue
You do not need insurance or a driving licence for a pedal-assist only e-moped. Insurance is only needed where the vehicle is throttle-assisted, weighs more than 25kg and has a maximum design speed greater than 14km/h.
Rules for L1e-B e-mopeds
An L1e-B e-moped is a battery powered cycle that meets the following technical requirements:
- Travels at speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour
- Has a maximum power output of up to 4,000 watts
An L1e-B e-moped that does not need pedalling and can be powered by its motor alone is called a throttle assisted e-moped.
As an L1e-B user, you must:
- Register your e-moped with Revenue (same registration process as for other vehicles)
- Pay annual motor tax of €35
- Have completed IBT (Initial Basic Training) motorcycle riding lessons
- Hold a Category AM driving licence
- Have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer so you can register your e-moped with Revenue
As a an L1e-B throttle assisted e-moped user you must also:
- Get motor insurance
E-moped requirements summary
Below is a table outlining the two main types of e-mopeds.
|
Category |
L1e-A e-mopeds (pedal or throttle assisted) |
L1e-B e-mopeds (pedal or throttle assisted) |
|
Maximum continuous rated power |
Up to 1,000W |
Up to 4,000W |
|
Maximum speed |
Up to 25km/h |
Up to 45km/h |
|
Motor operation |
Cuts off when pedalling stops (pedal assist). Output progressively reduces and cuts off at a certain speed. May also operate through throttle depending on model. |
May cut off when pedalling stops (pedal assist). Output may progressively reduce and cuts off at a certain speed. Can be powered by motor alone (throttle assisted e-moped). |
|
Insurance required |
No for pedal assist e-mopeds
Yes, for throttle assisted, that weigh more than 25kg and have a max design speed above 14km/h. |
It depends on power. No for pedal-assisted e-mopeds. Yes, for throttle assisted e-mopeds that go above 25km/h. |
|
Licence required |
No for pedal assisted e-mopeds
Category AM licence required for throttle assisted e-mopeds. |
Category AM licence required for both pedal assisted and throttle assisted e-mopeds. |
|
Permitted use areas |
Cycle lanes Bus lanes (pedal assisted e-mopeds only)
Not permitted on footpaths, pedestrianised areas, or motorways |
Not permitted in cycle lanes, bus lanes, footpaths, or pedestrianised areas or motorways. |
|
Motorcycle helmet |
Yes, legally required |
Yes, legally required |
|
Protective clothing |
Reflective high-vis and protective clothing recommended. |
Reflective high-vis and protective clothing recommended. |
Offences and penalties
The penalty points system for cars and motorcycles also applies to all e-mopeds.
A full list of penalty points and offences is available on the Road Safety Authority website.
You must not use an e-moped under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If charged, you face the same penalties as a motorist.
More information
For more information see the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Transport websites.
The Department of Transport has a summary table of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-mopeds available on the website.
Read our pages about e-scooters and e-bikes.