E-scooters and electric scooters: rules

In short: E-scooters (small electric vehicles) are permitted in Germany with insurance sticker, approval and from age 14. They may travel at most 20 km/h and belong on cycle paths and the road, not on the pavement.

In more detail: Liability insurance is compulsory, recognisable by the sticker.

In detail

• Minimum age: 14 years; no driving licence needed.
• Routes: Cycle paths, cycle lanes, otherwise the carriageway; pavements forbidden.
• Lighting and brakes: Two independent brakes, lights and reflectors.
• Alcohol: The same limits apply as for cars (bussgeld-und-punkte-in-flensburg).
• Phone and passengers: Phone on the handlebars and carrying passengers are forbidden.
• Parking: Not in the way on pavements, do not obstruct others.
• Battery: Charge and store carefully as with e-bikes (lithium-ionen-akku-richtig-nutzen).
• Safety: Helmet recommended; risk of head injuries is high (fahrradhelm-richtig-waehlen, fahrrad-verkehrsregeln).