What’s Changed in the 2026 Rules of the Road?
A Guide for Irish Learner Drivers
Book Published: May 2026
The RSA has published a new edition of the Rules of the Road for 2026. While many of the core driving rules remain unchanged, there are some important updates that every road user should know about.
The biggest changes concern e-scooters, e-bikes and e-mopeds, which now have dedicated sections in the official rulebook. As these vehicles become increasingly common on Irish roads, the Rules of the Road have been updated to reflect new legislation and provide clearer guidance for all road users.
Whether you're a learner driver, a newly qualified driver, or someone who has held a licence for years, here's what has changed in the 2026 edition.
E-Scooters Are Now Officially Included
The most significant change is the inclusion of electric scooters throughout the Rules of the Road.
The 2022 edition contained a section called "Rules for Cyclists". In the 2026 edition, this has been expanded to "Rules for Cyclists, E-Scooter Users and L1e-A E-Moped Riders."
This reflects the fact that e-scooters are now legally recognised and regulated for use on Irish roads.
For the first time, the Rules of the Road contains detailed guidance covering:
- Electric scooters
- Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
- Low-powered e-mopeds
- Powered personal transporters
- The legal requirements associated with each
This is one of the largest additions to the publication in recent years.
Clear Rules for E-Scooter Users
One of the biggest challenges for road users over the last few years has been uncertainty around the legality of e-scooters.
The 2026 Rules of the Road now provides clear guidance on what is and isn't permitted.
To be legal for use on public roads, an e-scooter must:
- Have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 watts
- Weigh no more than 25kg
- Have a maximum design speed of 20km/h
- Be fitted with lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell
- Have no seat fitted
Riders must be at least 16 years old and must obey the same traffic rules that apply to cyclists.
The new guidance also explains where e-scooters may and may not be used, helping to remove much of the confusion that previously existed.
New Section on Powered Personal Transporters
The 2026 edition introduces a completely new category known as Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs).
According to the RSA, e-scooters are currently the only powered personal transporters legally permitted on public roads.
Other devices remain illegal for use on Irish roads, including:
- Hoverboards
- Electric skateboards
- Electric unicycles
This clarification is likely to surprise many road users who assume these devices can be used in public places.
New Guidance on E-Mopeds
The updated Rules of the Road also introduces information on low-powered and high-powered e-mopeds.
The publication now explains:
- Different classifications of e-mopeds
- Which require a driving licence
- Which require insurance
- Helmet requirements
- Where different types of e-mopeds may be used
As electric mobility continues to evolve, this additional guidance will become increasingly important for both riders and drivers sharing the road.
Cycling Rules Have Been Expanded
Cyclists remain an important focus of the Rules of the Road, but the guidance has been broadened to include other similar road users.
Many rules that previously applied only to cyclists now also apply to:
- E-bike riders
- E-scooter users
- E-moped riders
The updated guidance covers:
- Cycle tracks
- Traffic lights
- Roundabouts
- Road positioning
- Fixed charge offences
- Safe riding practices
The RSA has effectively created a more unified set of rules for vulnerable two-wheeled road users.
E-Scooter Offences Added
The 2022 edition listed offences relevant to cyclists.
The 2026 edition introduces a dedicated section covering offences committed by e-scooter users.
This reflects the introduction of new legislation and enforcement powers available to An Garda Síochána.
For anyone considering purchasing an e-scooter, it is important to understand that they are now subject to specific rules and penalties.
Speed Limits Clarified
While speed limits have always applied to all road users, the updated publication now explicitly states that speed limits apply to:
- Bicycles
- E-bikes
- E-scooters
- E-mopeds
- Motorcycles
- Cars and other motor vehicles
This clarification reinforces the fact that all road users have a responsibility to travel at a safe and appropriate speed.
Greater Focus on Vulnerable Road Users
The latest edition places increased emphasis on sharing the road safely with vulnerable road users.
Throughout the publication there are more references to:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- E-scooter users
- Motorcyclists
- Children
- Older road users
This reflects Ireland's ongoing road safety strategy and the aim of reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
What Hasn't Changed?
Although the publication has expanded considerably, the fundamental principles of safe driving remain exactly the same.
Drivers must still:
- Drive on the left
- Obey speed limits
- Wear seatbelts
- Avoid mobile phone use while driving
- Keep a safe following distance
- Watch for vulnerable road users
- Drive at a speed that allows them to stop safely within the distance they can see to be clear
These core principles remain the foundation of safe driving in Ireland.
Final Thoughts
For most drivers, the biggest takeaway from the 2026 Rules of the Road is the formal inclusion of e-scooters, e-bikes and e-mopeds.
As these vehicles become more common on Irish roads, all road users need to understand how they operate, where they can legally travel and how to interact safely with them.
If you passed your theory test several years ago, it may be worth downloading the latest version of the Rules of the Road and refreshing your knowledge.
The roads are changing, and the rules are evolving with them.
If you're preparing for your theory test or driving test, remember that keeping up to date with the latest Rules of the Road is an important part of becoming a safe and confident driver.
You can also try the free mock theory test here on Get2Drive and see how your knowledge compares with thousands of other learner drivers.