Catalog of fines
E-scooter without a license? These (traffic) rules apply to electric scooters
E-scooter drivers also have to adhere to certain rules in road traffic
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In Germany, motorized vehicles may only be driven in public spaces with a valid driver’s license – but does this also apply to electric scooters? Or are e-scooters permitted without a driver’s license?
After e-scooters were officially approved in this country in June 2019, they literally flooded the streets and provided plenty of talking point. On the one hand, because the accidents with electric scooters increased across Germany – and on the other hand, because many models were not (yet) approved for road use. There is now a legal basis for the use of electric scooters, which shows how vehicle owners must behave in public spaces and the conditions under which e-scooters are permitted in road traffic. The most important questions about electric scooters are summarized and answered below.
E-scooter driving license – compulsory in Germany?
According to the ADAC, there is no compulsory driving license for e-scooters – provided that the electric scooter does not travel faster than 20 kilometers per hour. In addition, only street-legal e-scooters on cycle paths, cycle lanes and inBicycle streets are allowed. “Small e-scooters are forbidden on the sidewalk, in the pedestrian zone and in one-way streets against the direction of travel – unless driving on is permitted with the additional sign” E-scooter free “, adds the automobile club. However, this does not apply to the sign “Cyclists free”.
Are helmets compulsory for e-scooters?
Here, too, there is no obligation for e-scooter drivers. However, the official recommendation of the ADAC is that it is generally safer to use one while driving helmet wear.
Minimum age for e-scooter drivers: yes or no?
Regardless of whether you want to drive the electric scooter on public roads or on private property: The driver must be at least 14 years old to be able to operate an e-scooter. He does not need a moped test certificate or a driver’s license. However, the minimum age is the law.
Alcohol limit: you need to know that
Even if you are for the E-scooter do not require a driver’s license, the same alcohol alcohol limits apply as for motorists – if these are exceeded, you not only face a hefty fine, but also points in Flensburg. If you commit an administrative offense or criminal offense, you must expect the following consequences:
- From 0.5 per mille you pay a fine of 500 euros, get two points in Flensburg and have to hand in your driver’s license (if you have one) for one month. The second time, the fine is 1,000 euros and a three-month driving ban.
- From 1.1 per mille if there is already a criminal offense that not only earns you three points in Flensburg, but also entails a prison sentence or a fine – your driving license can even be completely withdrawn.
- From 0.3 per mille You can face the same threat if you have shown alcohol-related failure symptoms while driving an e-scooter, endangered other road users or caused an accident.
Another important note from ADAC: As long as you are still on the probationary period or under the age of 21, one will apply to you Blood alcohol limit of 0.0.
E-scooters without a license: the most important rules
The Road Traffic Ordinance (StVO) and the Small Electric Vehicle Ordinance (eKFV) result in the following requirements for e-scooters with street approval:
If you have an electric scooter that can travel at least 6 km / h and at most 20 km / h, it needs one Operating permit for road traffic. In addition, you have to insure your vehicle – in other words, you need one Motor vehicle liability insurance including insurance number. If you only use the e-scooter on private property, you do not need a street permit.
Furthermore, the following rules apply to e-scooters in road traffic:
- Driving on sidewalks and (most) pedestrian zones is not permitted.
- If there are no cycle lanes, cycle lanes or cycle lanes, you have to switch to the street.
- E-scooters are only permitted for one driver, a second person is not allowed.
- If you change direction, i.e. turn right or left, you must indicate this with a show of hands.
- Both the lighting and a bell must be attached to the e-scooter and fully functional.
- Kick scooters with an electric motor may only be driven one behind the other and not next to each other.
- You are not allowed to attach a trailer to the vehicle or pull it behind you with the e-scooter.
It is not allowed to drive an e-scooter hands-free or to hang the vehicle on another.
When riding a bike lane, you need to allow faster cyclists to overtake you.
- When driving on pedestrian paths that you are allowed to use with the e-scooter, the speed must be adjusted.
Extract from the catalog of fines for e-scooters
If you commit an administrative offense with the e-scooter, different fines will be incurred. Although these are not as high as when the alcohol per mille limit is exceeded, they are still just as burdensome on the wallet. A small excerpt follows:
violation | fine |
Passed the traffic light when it was red: | 60 euro |
Drive on the sidewalk or bike path: | 55 euros |
Driven side by side: | 15 euro |
Driven hands-free: | 10 Euro |
E-scooter used in pairs: | 20 Euros |
Attach to another vehicle: | 10 Euro |
Driving without insurance: | 40 euros |
Bell is missing or does not work: | 15 euro |
Light is missing / does not work: | 20 Euros |
Sources: ADAC; Catalog of fines
E-scooter test: Here it goes to the e-scooter comparison.
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