E-scooter regulations and safety resources highlighted in Austria and Germany

Authorities in Austria and Germany are highlighting critical regulations and safety resources regarding e-scooter usage. In Austria, the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit has released new educational materials for traffic educators. These resources, which include presentations, brochures, and instructional films, incorporate the 36th StVO amendment scheduled for 2026 to clarify rules for various scooter categories.

In Germany, the Verbraucherzentrale Bayern warns against using e-scooters purchased online that lack a General Operating Permit (ABE). To be legal for public roads, scooters must have an ABE issued by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, typically requiring a maximum design speed of 20 km/h. Without this permit, vehicles cannot obtain the mandatory insurance sticker. Operating a scooter without an ABE can result in fines, the seizure of the vehicle, and potential criminal charges if the vehicle is also uninsured.