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Electric Bicycles UK And Ireland

  • 28-10-2019 2:35pm
    #1
    Jonathan1990
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 106 ✭✭


    I got fascinated with this electric bicycle which I hired for an hour last Friday. I liked the way I could get straight up hills without getting exhausted. Here in the UK you must be over 14 and then you can ride one like a normal bicycle which is why they ask proof of age to hire them. They are limited to 15.5mph. However I just read that in Northern Ireland you must have a moped license to ride one. Wondering if it's the same in Republic Of Ireland.


Comments

  • #2
    Ubbquittious
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,292 ✭✭✭Ubbquittious


    Depends on how much power it has. The wimpy little 250 watt ones where you still have to pedal you don't need any license but never heard of anyone on a more powerful one getting into trouble. Used one for going to work in Dublin about 5 years ago never a bit of bother


  • #3
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    In the entire English speaking world it's "licence", except for US. Do try to get it right.

    On topic, there are two cases in Dublin courts right now about electric scooters. I don't know if there are any cases around electric bicycles.
    Electric bikes are well handy to go around on, but there may be difficulties with the legal limits.


  • #4
    Ted_YNWA
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 71,802 ✭✭✭✭Ted_YNWA


    OP - there is a Cycling forum on Boards. Let me know if you want me to move this there.

    There would be more knowledgeable folk who know about the ins & outs about electric bikes.


  • #5
    Ray Palmer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,513 ✭✭✭Ray Palmer


    It depends on what you are riding. If it is an assist up to 25kph no licence is required. That means the motor only works when peddling.

    You will see people riding electric bicycle that use a throttle and power beyond 25kph. They are classed as motorbikes and require a licence, insurance and motor tax. That is the same in the UK as here.

    While it is unlikely you will be stopped by the Gardai it doesn't mean they are legal. If you are in an accident you can be done for driving without insurance, illegal vehicle and no valid licence. Your call but don't forget that applies if somebody else causes the accident. You would still be in the wrong.

    There is a case to come to courts in the UK where somebody was riding an illegal ebike and knocked somebody down. Think the pedestrian survived but the rider is being charged for everything I mentioned. It was a hit and run so part of the reason but a matter of time before it happens here too. Escooter accident will happen too with similar reactions afterwards.

    They should allow for more powerful and faster ebikes but it has been shut down several times. EU law determines current laws so NI has the same rules here.


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