Electric scooters have made a huge difference in transportation in Europe. Electric scooters have become an integral part of the urban mobility landscape, ranging from efficient short-distance transport to sustainable and environmentally friendly options.
In some countries, electric scooters are encouraged and regulated, and in others, there are strict rules, insurance needs, and even ban on the use of electric scooters. Riders who break the rules can be fined, their scooters may be impounded and riders may lose their scooter licenses.
Rules That You Should Abide By While Using Scooter In Europe
Electric scooter regulations differ between countries and within cities, but most of the rest of the regulations are concerned with speed limits, helmet requirements, the requirement to ride on the bike lane, insurance requirements, minimum rider ages, and public safety. Riding electric scooters is on the rise, and governments are further restricting access, with transportation experts and European mobility reports supporting the claims.
The main rules are as follows:The main rules are:
- The minimum age for riders is 14.
- Limited to a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
- It’s illegal to ride on a sidewalk Bike lanes shall be ridden, when available.
- Reflective clothing could be necessary during the night
What Europe Riders and Brands Need to Know
European countries support common standard for the specs of electric scooters
- The wheels should be ≤120 cm long with a maximum of 2 wheels or 3 wheels for some (max of 3).
- Motor power ≤ 1000W (in a few countries, ≤ 250W) everywhere, except Spain, speed ≤ 25 km/h (≤20 km/h in a few countries)
- After dark, lights must be white on front, red on rear and reflectors are required.
- Brakes: Dual Independent Brakes, some countries with minimum stopping distances.
- Bell or horn, particularly if pedestrian and bicycle traffic mix in the area.
- In Germany, Austria, Italy and soon in Netherlands (via registration plates) insurance is required.
- Helmets laws: mixed in many countries helmets are required under some ages. Learn more of the dangers of riding without helmet.
Why Germany’s Rules Are The Strictest
In Germany;
- Scooters need to have official road approval
- People who ride scooters have to have insurance
- The speed for scooters is 20 kilometers per hour.
- People who ride scooters have to be at least 14 years old
- Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks
Electric Scooter Guides are a good resource
Germany is also very strict about following these rules and will give fines to people who do not follow them
Countries With Tough Restrictions
United Kingdom
People are not allowed to ride their electric scooters on public roads and sidewalks in the United Kingdom
Only government-approved rental schemes are allowed to operate in many cities
Netherlands
Many electric scooters are not allowed in the Netherlands unless they have been officially approved by the Dutch authorities.
Safety Trends in Europe
Despite the new regulations, the use of micromobility is increasing rapidly in Europe.Recent industry data suggests injury rates are decreasing as infrastructure and regulation improve.
Important Before Traveling
If you are intending to ride across Europe:
- Review local regulations for each country
- Verify speed limits
- Have insurance when necessary.
- When possible, use a bike lane
- If NOT required by law, use a helmet.
There are also local restrictions in many cities, in addition to national ones. For instance
In 2023, the French capital city of Paris has decided to prohibit rental electric scooters.
Several cities in Spain have more stringent laws on bike helmet use.
Aso the use of nighttime rentals is being increasingly regulated in Nordic countries.
