Cyclists and e-scooters

By the end of this topic you can

• You can leave enough room when passing a cyclist or e-scooter user.
• You can decide when it is not safe to pass and wait behind instead.
• You can check for riders before turning, changing lanes or opening a door.
• You can recognise the main e-scooter rules so you can predict what riders will do.
• You can keep out of cycle tracks except where the law allows.

What you need to know and understand

• The RSA advises at least 1 metre of clearance when passing a cyclist where the limit is 50 km/h or less, and at least 1.5 metres above 50 km/h.
• Overtaking a cyclist or e-scooter user in a way that endangers or inconveniences them carries a 120 euro fixed charge and 3 penalty points.
• Since 2 October 2026 e-scooter riders must be at least 18, and e-scooters are limited to 20 km/h.
• Since 4 September 2026 e-scooter riders must wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.
• E-scooters are not allowed on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or motorways, and must carry only one person.
• Cyclists may ride two abreast but should go single file in heavy traffic.
• Check your mirrors for cyclists before opening a car door.
• You must not cross a continuous white line to pass a cyclist, except in an emergency or for access.

Passing with room to spare

Riders may need to move out to avoid potholes, drain covers, gravel or a car door. Give more room than the minimum in wind, rain or when a rider is wobbling as they move off.

1. Hang back until you can see a long, clear stretch with no oncoming traffic.
2. Check your mirror, signal and move out well before you reach the rider.
3. Pass at a steady speed, leaving at least the RSA clearance.
4. Do not cut back in until you can see the rider in your left mirror.
5. If you cannot leave the space, stay behind. A few seconds' delay is nothing.

Danger points to check

• Turning left: a rider on your inside may be going straight on. Do not overtake one just before you turn.
• Turning right: riders may be coming up the middle or in a lane on the far side.
• Where a cycle track ends and riders rejoin the road.
• Opening a door: look in your mirror and over your shoulder first. Passengers should check too.
• Advanced stop lines at lights: stop at the first line and let riders move off ahead of you.

E-scooters in brief

An e-scooter is one rider, standing, with no seat, at up to 20 km/h. Riders must wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing. They can use cycle tracks and with-flow bus lanes, and must not use footpaths or motorways. Small wheels react badly to potholes and wet ironwork, so expect sudden swerves. A rider who looks under 18 is breaking the law, but you must still give them space.

Common mistakes

• Squeezing past a cyclist with oncoming traffic approaching.
• Cutting back in too soon after passing.
• Turning left across a rider who was alongside you.
• Opening a door into a cycle track without checking.
• Misjudging an e-scooter's speed because it looks like a toy.

Test yourself: Cyclists and e-scooters

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Sharing the Road With Cyclists in Ireland