German police crackdown on illegal e‑scooter use

Police in Elsenfeld, Germany, arrested a 14‑year‑old who had modified his e‑scooter with a smartphone app to exceed the legal speed limit. The teenager fled a routine traffic stop, but officers later located him at his home, seized the scooter and phone, and opened an investigation. He holds German and Italian citizenship.

In Menden, police and the city’s ordinance office carried out a special control in the pedestrian zone, issuing 45 traffic citations. Among the infractions were 19 e‑scooter violations, three of which lacked the required insurance and two involved under‑age riders aged 12 and 13. Officers also reported aggressive behaviour from some riders and said further checks will continue.