Electric Scooters: European Characteristics and Rules

In Europe, it is increasingly common to see citizens opting to use electric scooters as their preferred means of transport. For this reason, many European cities have begun to incorporate new services into their public transport system that allow the rental of scooters, whether for regular or sporadic trips.

Therefore, it is essential to know the regulations in force, and that is precisely why in this article we will examine some aspects of some countries on the regulations governing the use of electric scooters in Europe.

Although this innovative form of mobility is economical, environmentally friendly and fun, it has not been free of controversy, generating in some cases problems of coexistence and giving rise to an interesting public debate on how public space should be used, both to circulate with electric scooters and to park them.

For this reason, for some time now, the various countries of the European Union have initiated a thorough study and regulation of this new form of mobility, with the aim of promoting harmonious coexistence between users, pedestrians and traditional means of transport circulating in our cities.

Thus, the legislation governing the use of electric scooters in public space is relatively recent, since, until recently, many countries lacked regulations in this area or, if they had them, they were very limited.

Today, several Member States have established different traffic codes to integrate this emerging form of mobility. However, it is important to note that these new regulations are not harmonized, which means that there can be major differences between countries. Thus, what may be permitted in one country may be prohibited in another.

Common regulations for the use of electric scooters throughout Europe that must always be observed:

• Always drive with caution, attention and care.
• Whenever possible, use bike lanes and respect traffic rules.
• Do not disturb or obstruct pedestrians. Pedestrians always have priority on sidewalks and pedestrian areas (when electric scooters can be ridden on sidewalks).
• It is forbidden to use a cell phone while driving.
• It is forbidden to ride with a passenger.
• Wear a helmet, even if it is not mandatory.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Violations are usually severely punished.

REGULATIONS IN SPAIN

Minimum age

The DGT recommends a minimum age of 16 years old. In addition, it is subject to local regulations, so it is recommended to consult them beforehand. For example, in Madrid, driving an electric scooter is allowed from the age of 15. Renting an electric scooter is usually only possible from the age of 18.

• Take into account local regulations.

• 25 km/h

The speed limit may vary from city to city. In Seville, for example, the speed limit on bike lanes is 15 km/h (9 mph). In Bilbao, overtaking is only allowed at 10 km/h.

Helmet

Depending on the city, different regulations apply. In Madrid and Barcelona, for example, it is compulsory to wear a helmet when renting an electric scooter.

Driving restrictions

In general, it is not allowed to ride on sidewalks and pedestrian areas, intersections, highways, freeways, main roads and urban tunnels. However, each city may establish its own rules that may differ from the general rule.

Mandatory equipment

• Brakes
• Bell
• Front and rear lights
• Reflectors
• Insurance policy

Currently, there is no compulsory insurance for electric scooters in Spain.
However, cities may enact their own regulations.

Blood alcohol limit

• 0,5 ‰
• 0.3 ‰ for new drivers.
• 0.0 ‰ for those under 18 years of age.

Fines:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be fined between €500 and €1,000. In addition, the scooter will be confiscated.
• A fine of €200 may be imposed for:
• Using a cell phone while driving.
• Wearing headphones.
• Driving at night without lights.
• Driving on the sidewalk.

REGULATIONS IN GERMANY

Minimum age

• 14 years old.

Maximum speed

• 20 km/h. Electric scooters that can go faster than this are not allowed.

Where is it allowed to ride?

•  In areas reserved for cyclists.
• If there is no bike lane, you can ride on the road and, outside built-up areas, on the shoulder. It is forbidden to ride on sidewalks and pedestrian areas.

Mandatory equipment

• White front light and red rear light.
• Two independent brakes.
• Bell.
• Parking

• They can be parked on the shoulder or on the sidewalk as long as they do not obstruct traffic.
• They can be parked in pedestrian zones, as long as these are enabled for scooters.
• Insurance policy
• The electric scooter must be insured and must carry the corresponding insurance sticker, which is valid for 12 months.
• In the event of an accident, the third party insurance will cover damages to third parties.
• The insurance can only be obtained if you have a general traffic permit ("Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, ABE").
• The sale of electric scooters that are intended for the German market must include the ABE in the documentation. Attention should be paid to this documentation when purchasing an electric scooter.
• If it does not have an ABE, it may not be used in road traffic.

Blood alcohol limit

• 0,5 ‰.
• For drivers under 21 years of age and novice drivers, the limit is 0.0 ‰ during the test period. Whoever drives an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol can lose his license.

Other

Foldable electric scooters may be transported free of charge as hand luggage on long-distance trains.

REGULATIONS IN FRANCE