Theres been much attention to new regulations covering e-scooters, which come into force today, but legal changes also come into effect governing a range of electric bikes from e-bicycles to types of bikes that are now clearly viewed legally as mopeds, in other words, light motorcycles and not bicycles.Only low-power electric scooters are now legal on Irish roads the speed limit of 20km/h is widely seen as artificially low, especially when its 5km/h lower than for electric bicycles.Electric bicycles were previously defined in the Finance Acts related to the Cycle to Work Scheme, now clarity is given to their status in the Road Traffic Acts.The explainer table below and the version on Google Sheets are published by IrishCycle.com, based on information published by the Department of Transport. It is an overview of the differences, not an exhaustive list of rules that apply. For example, it does not cover the requirements for lights during lighting-up hours or brakes, which are mandatory for all bicycles.Devices are classed depending on their full requirements. For example, if a bike has pedals but the motor can go faster than 25km, then it will be classed as a higher-powered moped. If a scooter meets all other requirements but doesnt have a manufacturers plate outlining the required detail, it is not road-legal. Similarly, if a bikes motor max speed is 25km/h but it has a throttle, it may be classed as an L1e-B moped.Image version of the explainer table:Text version of the table:Legal categoryPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleOther name/sLow power electric or e- scootersBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcElectric or e- bike, e-cargo bikeMoped, e-mopedMoped, e-mopedMoped, e-mopedAppearance?Scooter which you stand onBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcBicycle, trike, cargo bike, etcLike bicycle or light motorcycleLike bicycle or light motorcycleMechanically Propelled Vehicle?NoNoNoYesYesYesRules like a bicycle?Similar to bicycleIs a bicycleExactly the sameMix between bicycle and mopedMore like mopedMopedMinimum user age?16-years-oldNoneNone16-years-old16-years-old16-years-oldCan carry passengers?Expressly not allowedIf designed to (ie extra seat)If designed to (ie extra seat)TBCTBCTBCLegal categoryPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleMovementPedaling needed?No pedalsYes, unless freewheelingYes, unless freewheelingYes, unless freewheelingYes, unless freewheelingNoCan move with throttle?YesNoNoNoNoYesMotor cuts out at?20km/hNo motor25km/h25km/h45km/h45km/hFaster with effort?NoDepending on user abilityDepending on user abilityDepending on user abilityDepending on user abilityNo/Depending on user abilityMax power output?400WDepending on user ability250W1000W4000W4000WPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleLicence, tax, insurance etcLicence needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredMotor tax needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRegistration needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredInsurance needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredMotorcycle helmet needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredHigh vis needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleRoad use allowedCan use footpathNoNoNoNoNoNoCan use cycle lanes/paths?YesYesYesYesNoNoCan use bus lanes?YesYesYesYesNoNoCan use local to national roads?YesYesYesYesYesYesNon-motorway dual carriageway?YesYesYesYesYesYesCan use motorways?NoNoNoNoNoNoPersonal Powered TransportersPedal cyclePedelecL1e-A e (higher-power) pedelecL1e-B speed pedelecL1e-B throttleCertification and otherEU-Type Approval needed?Not requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredManufacturers plate needed?Required (see notes)Not requiredNot requiredEU-Type Approval plateEU-Type Approval plateEU-Type Approval plateMinimum wheel diameter?200mmNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneMax weight25 kg (including batteries)NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneALSO SEE:E-Bikes, E-Mopeds and E-Scooters on Gov.ieRelevant legislation: Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023S.I. No. 197/2024 Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2024S.I. No. 199/2024 Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 200/2024 Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 222/2024 Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 223/2024 Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Personal Powered Transporters) Regulations 2024S.I. No. 224/2024 Road Traffic (Use of Powered Personal Transporters) Regulations 2024