Germany Tightens E‑Scooter Rules Amid Rapid Global Market Expansion

In Germany, electric scooters may be used on public roads only if they have a valid Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (ABE) issued by the Kraftfahrt‑Bundesamt and are covered by a mandatory liability‑insurance sticker. The ABE requires the vehicle’s top speed to be limited to 20 km/h. Scooters without an ABE face a €70 fine, possible confiscation, and lack of insurance coverage; riding without the insurance sticker can result in larger fines, points on the driver’s record, or even imprisonment.

Globally, the electric‑scooter market continues to grow sharply. Sales reached about 55 million units in 2024 and are projected to exceed 75 million by 2026. Market value was estimated at US$38.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to rise to US$91.1 billion by 2035, reflecting expanding consumer demand for urban mobility solutions.