ZEUS Mobility, Ireland’s only shared e-scooter company, welcomes the announcement of the commencement of regulations for light electric vehicles, e-scooters, e-bikes and e-mopeds on Ireland’s roads. The new regulations, set on May 20th, 2024, are part of The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which for the first time introduces legal categories for light electric vehicles into Irish legislation, and sets out the regulations for their use. Light electric vehicles are battery-powered, zero-emission vehicles and include e-scooters and e-bikes, often known as “Micro Mobility Vehicles”.
ZEUS Mobility, which acquired Zwings Mobility in the UK in 2022 and ZIPP Mobility in Ireland in 2023, is one of Europe’s fastest growing micro mobility companies. Since 2020, it has deployed and operated almost 10,000 vehicles in more than 60 locations globally. Primarily operating in the German and UK Markets, the new regulation in Ireland makes way for the company to commence safe, sustainable and flexible transport in urban locations across Ireland. Headquartered in Kildavin, Carlow, ZEUS employs more than 30 people and a further 100 contractors and partners worldwide.
As the only multi modal micro mobility company in Ireland, ZEUS welcomes the new regulations and has ambitious plans to create more employment in Ireland and a central hub for the expansion of its business across the island. Speaking about the announcement today, Founder and Chief Executive of ZEUS, Damian Young, said: “We have been waiting a long time for this legislation to allow e-scooters and e-bikes to legally use Irish roads and we are delighted with today’s announcement. Our customers have enjoyed using safe and sustainable means with ZEUS in other countries for the last 4 years and we are thrilled today to finally bring our e-scooters to Ireland”.
“As an Irish company that has grown in Ireland over the last number of years, we can finally serve the Irish public. We intend to now increase our investment in Ireland and introduce ZEUS to urban areas across the island over the coming months”.
The new regulations set out the requirements for e-scooters and e-bikes on Ireland’s roads to ensure maximum safety for users of these vehicles and other road users. To legally use an e-scooter, riders must be at least 16 years of age and ride at a maximum of 20kph. The e-scooter itself cannot exceed this maximum speed limit, must have a maximum output power of 400 watts or less, must weigh 25kgs or less and cannot have a seat. In addition, e-scooters must be fitted with front and rear lights and brakes and have a minimum wheel diameter of 200mms.
“The new regulations set out the minimum standard permissible on Irish roads. ZEUS has invested significantly in the design of its e-scooters and technology over the last 4 years and our design ensures maximum safety for users. Its vehicle is equipped with the expected standards set out by the regulations but additionally has other features such as indicators, dual stand, electronic braking and location-controlled speed management systems” said Damian Young.
ZEUS Mobility was recognised as Innovator of the Year at the 2024 Small Business Awards and is also a finalist in the 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme. The company is supported by Enterprise Ireland who invested in ZEUS in 2022 and had previously invested in ZIPP Mobility, which was acquired by ZEUS in 2023.