The government has confirmed that electric scooters will be legalised next year without the need for local trials.

Transportation Secretary Eamon Ryan said this week that work has begun on legislation to legalize electric scooters, which he intends to implement by 2021.

It is currently illegal to use electric scooters on public roads.Electronic scooters are considered mechanically propelled vehicles and must be licensed only to be taxed, insured and driven.But it is impossible to obtain a license, tax or insurance, which in effect makes them illegal.

Last August, a report commissioned by the Road safety Agency concluded that electric scooters should be legalised.Legislation to legalize electric scooters is already being drafted and will come into force in 2021.