What legally counts as an e-bike?

E-bike regulations can be confusing, and it’s important to know when you might need register a bike, as well as if you need a licence.

That’s why we have written this super simple reference to e-bike laws, as well as offering Cycling Ireland members an exclusive 7.5%* discount on all cycle insurance, to cover accidental damage, theft and much more.

What is an e-bike?

An e-bike (or electric bike) is an electrically assisted pedal cycle with a rechargeable battery and a motor that helps you pedal. 

They’re often heavier than normal pedal cycles, but come in the same varieties – hybrid, road and folding e-bikes, or electric mountain and e-cargo bikes, including tricycles. 

Whichever type of e-bike you choose, it must meet the same rules and regulations to legally ride on public roads or cycle paths in Ireland.

What legally counts an e-bike?

For an electric bike to be road legal in Ireland, in line with our electric bike insurance policy, it must:

• Be a “pedal assisted” electric bike, that has a maximum continuous rated power output of .25 kW (250 Watts)

• Is restricted to 25 km/h (15.5mph)

• Not defined as a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ (MPV).

Is my bike an MPV?

If it can be powered by mechanical or electrical power alone (i.e; it can continue without you pedalling it) it is considered to be a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ (MPV). A popular example is a “twist and go” throttle based bike, which would class as an MPV.

Under road traffic law, if an MPV is used in a public place, it is subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles, such as being registered, taxed and insured, as well as holding the appropriate driving licence.

More information can be found on MPV laws and regulations from the RSA here.

Do you need a licence to ride an e-bike?

As long as your e-bike meets the above regulations, you do not need a licence to ride it on the road in Ireland, nor do you require a helmet, although we would strongly recommend one.

Can you insure an e-bike under cycle insurance?

Yes – cycle insurance is valid on all e-bikes, as long as they meet the regulations set out above. Any e-bike that falls outside of these regulations will not be valid for cycle insurance. 

Insurance isn’t mandatory on e-bikes, but even the best riders can hit some bad luck – from a simple pothole, to an opportunist thief. That’s why we offer Cycling Ireland members an exclusive 7.5%* discount on all our award winning policies. Our hassle-free insurance covers your bike and kit against accidental damage, theft and much more.

Buying a new e-bike?

We offer 14 days FREE insurance on all new bikes, with no card details or cancellation required. 

Any questions?

If you’re unsure about any of the rules above in relation to your bike or in general, Bikmo are here to help! We’re all cyclists and we always love to chat bikes.

Call us: 076 8886 022
Email us: hello@bikmo.ie

Read more of our e-bike top tips and insurance guides: 

– Ultimate Cycling Commute Guide

– Top 3 tips for locking your bike

*Minimum premium €5/mo and policy wording applies. This promotion is provided by Bikmo GmbH is authorised/licensed by the Industrie- und Handelskammer München in Germany and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.