Germany police increase E-scooter enforcement amid rising violations

Police departments across several German regions have intensified inspections of e-scooters following a rise in traffic violations, accidents, and technical manipulations. In Northeim, a week-long crackdown revealed numerous offenses among children and adolescents, including driving without insurance, operating vehicles without a license, and using manipulated scooters capable of speeds up to 45 km/h.

In Henstedt-Ulzburg, authorities initiated criminal proceedings against minors and adults for expired insurance and attempted escapes from police patrols. Similarly, in Amberg, a targeted operation involving 25 officers inspected approximately 100 e-scooters and pedelecs, resulting in several bans on continued travel due to technical defects and arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In response to these safety concerns, Hamburg's Transport Senator, Anjes Tjarks, is advocating for stricter national regulations at the Transport Ministers' Conference. Proposed measures include the use of geofencing technology to automatically slow down or disable e-scooters in pedestrian zones to better protect pedestrians and cyclists.