E-Bikes: Know the Rules Before You Ride, Gardaí Warn

Gardaí from the Bandon Roads Policing Unit recently stopped two electric bikes being ridden on a footpath in Kinsale. Both riders were aged 14.

One of the bikes was capable of travelling at approximately 25 km/h using the throttle alone, while the second was capable of approximately 50 km/h using the throttle alone.

Not every electric bike is legally an "e-bike". To qualify as an ordinary e-bike, it must be pedal assisted, have a maximum continuous rated motor output of 250W, and the motor assistance must cut out when pedalling stops and before the bicycle reaches 25 km/h.

Electric bikes which can propel themselves using a throttle, or which exceed the permitted power or speed specifications, do not qualify as ordinary e-bikes and may instead be classed as mechanically propelled vehicles. Depending on their specifications and classification, requirements can include minimum age, registration, motor tax, insurance, a driving licence and protective equipment.

E-mopeds cannot be used in a public place by anyone under 16 years of age. A reminder also that e-bikes and e-mopeds must not be ridden on footpaths.

Parents and guardians purchasing electric bikes for young people are encouraged to check the specifications carefully. A bike that looks like an ordinary e-bike may have very different legal requirements if it can operate independently of pedalling or exceeds the permitted limits.

Please know the rules before you ride.