Ireland's relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles

According to current laws, regulations, and policy developments in Ireland, the management framework for electric bicycles is centered around technical standards, while also considering safety and environmental protection. The specific provisions are as follows:

1、 Definition and Technical Standards of Electric Bicycles

1. Core Definition: According to Irish law, an electric bicycle is defined as a vehicle equipped with pedals, with a maximum output power not exceeding 250 watts, and the motor assist automatically shuts off when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. This standard is fully consistent with the EU, and vehicles beyond this range (such as those without pedals or with higher power) will be classified as "powered personal transporters" and must comply with motorcycle regulations (such as registration, insurance, taxation, and holding a driver's license).

2. Key technical requirements

   • Motor power: The rated power is strictly limited to 250 watts, and it is prohibited to improve performance by modifying the circuit or adapting the battery.
   • Speed limit: The motor must stop assisting after reaching a speed of 25 kilometers per hour and only retain the electric power assist function.
   • Design requirements: It must be equipped with a foot pedal, have manual riding function, and the body must pass safety tests such as electromagnetic compatibility and waterproofing (IPX4 standard).
   • EU certification: The product must comply with the EN 15194:2017 standard and bear the CE mark to indicate that it has passed the EU safety certification.

2、 Usage rules and driving permissions

1. Road traffic rules
   • Dedicated lane: Electric bicycles that meet the standards can drive on the bike lane, but the new law proposes to prohibit entry into pedestrian only areas.
   • Mixed roads: When driving on borrowed or mixed roads, the speed limit shall not exceed 15 kilometers per hour.
   • Prohibited areas: Entry into motor vehicle lanes such as highways and urban expressways is prohibited.
   • Vehicles exceeding the standard: They need to use the motor vehicle lane, but when the speed limit on some sections is below 50 kilometers per hour, they can choose the bicycle lane.
2. Regulations on manned transportation
   • Adults can carry a child under 12 years old in a fixed rear seat, but must ensure that the child safety seat meets the standards.
3. Parking management
   • It must be parked in designated non motorized vehicle parking areas, and it is prohibited to block passages, fire exits, or affect the urban environment. Violators may face fines of 20-50 euros.

3、 Safety Equipment and Code of Conduct

1. Helmet requirements
   • Although there is no mandatory legal requirement for wearing helmets in Ireland, it is strongly recommended to wear them while cycling.
2. Lighting and visibility
   • At night or in low visibility conditions (such as rain, snow, fog), the front and rear lights must be turned on to ensure vehicle visibility.
3. Code of conduct
   • Follow traffic signals, slow down and signal before turning, and slow down or stop to give way when passing pedestrian crossings.
   • Do not tow animals, drag cargo devices, or ride with both hands off the handlebars.
   • When crossing the motor vehicle lane on a road section, it is necessary to get off and push through the pedestrian crossing or crossing facilities.

4、 Violation penalties and legal responsibilities

1. Punishment for technical violations
   • Modifying motors, batteries, or removing speed limit devices is illegal and may result in fines or even vehicle detention.
   • If the battery voltage exceeds 48V or non factory certified batteries are used, a maximum penalty of 30000 euros may be imposed.
2. Punishment for driving violations
   • Warning or a fine of 10-50 euros will be imposed for behaviors such as reversing, speeding, and running red lights.
   • Those who refuse to accept fines may have their vehicles detained by the traffic management department of the public security organs.
3. Punishment for parking violations
   • Those who park vehicles in prohibited areas shall be ordered to make corrections and fined 20-50 euros.

5、 Special scenarios and regional differences

1. Shared electric bicycles
   • Regular bicycle rules must be followed, and users must be at least 16 years old. Some platforms require scanning their driver's license or credit card for age verification. For example, Dublin plans to launch 5000 shared electric bicycles, which will be managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
2. Regional differences
   • There may be slight differences in the management of electric bicycles among different states. For example, Northern Ireland requires electric bicycle drivers to hold a driver's license, register, insure, and pay taxes on their vehicles, and imposes stricter penalties for violations (such as a maximum fine of £ 1000 for not wearing a helmet).

Recommended matching batteries for popular Swiss electric bicycles:

LN-DS-6C Ebike Battery 36V/48V 13Ah 15.6Ah 17.5Ah 18650Cell For 750W-1000W Motor