L1e-A E-Moped

An L1e-A e-moped is a battery-powered, pedal or throttle-assisted cycle, with a maximum continuous rated power of 1,000 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour.

• ‘Pedal-assisted’ means the electric motor cuts off when pedalling stops
• Throttle-assisted' means the electric motor continues to run when pedalling stops.

Visit the RSA page on E-Bikes and E-Mopeds for Road Users for Frequently Asked Questions.

An L1e-A e-moped used on a public road must:

• have a maximum continuous rated power up to 1,000 watts

• have a maximum design speed of up to 25 kilometres per hour

An L1e-A e-moped that does not require pedalling, and can be powered by its motor alone, is also called a throttle e-moped.

Where pedal assisted, they must:

• have an electric motor that cuts off when pedalling stops

• have motor output that progressively reduces, and finally cuts off, before the speed reaches 25 kilometres per hour.

Where throttle-assisted, they must:

• have an electric motor that cuts off when the speed reaches 25km/h.

This categorisation is based on the EU type-approval legislation - EU Regulation 168/2013 Annex I.

Users of pedal-assisted L1e-A e-mopeds must:

• register their vehicles with the Revenue Commissioners

• pay motor tax annually

• wear a motorcycle helmet

• drive on the left (including in bicycle lanes and bus lanes)

• not use footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways.

• Pedal-assisted L1e-A e-moped users do not require insurance or a driver’s licence for their vehicles.
• Wearing protective clothing is advised.

Users of throttle-assisted L1e-A e-mopeds must:

• register their vehicles with the Revenue Commissioners

• pay motor tax annually

• hold a Category AM driver’s licence

• insure their vehicle, where the vehicle weighs more than 25kg and has a maximum design speed greater than 14 kilometres per hour

• wear a motorcycle helmet

• drive on the left

• not use cycle lanes, bus lanes, footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways.

• Throttle-assisted L1e-A e-moped users do require insurance and a driver’s licence for their vehicles.
• Wearing protective clothing is advised.

Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 (as amended) prohibits the supply of an MPV to a person under the age of 16. As e-mopeds are classified as MPVs, it is prohibited to sell, gift, loan or hire one to a person under the age of 16.

This is the relevant legislation for L1e-A e-mopeds:

Acts

• Act No. 16/2023 - Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 – Part 12

• Act No. 10/2024 - Road Traffic Act 2024 – Part 5

Commencement Orders

• SI 197 of 2024 – Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 (Commencement) Order 2024

• SI 198 of 2024 – Road Traffic Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024

Prohibition on supply of an MPV to a minor

• Act No. 44/2004 - Road Traffic Act 2004 (As Amended) - Section 30