Traffic safety: Alcohol risks for cyclists and e-scooter users

Traffic safety regulations and accident trends highlight the legal and physical risks of operating non-motorized or micro-mobility vehicles while under the influence of alcohol in Germany and Austria.

In Germany, individuals can face the loss of their driving license even when not operating a car. Violations committed while cycling or walking can result in points being added to the driving register in Flensburg. Under Section 316 of the German Criminal Code, intoxicated cyclists can face criminal charges, particularly if they reach an absolute level of driving incapacity at 1.6 per mille. Consequences may include driving bans, license revocation, or the requirement of a medical-psychological assessment (MPU).

In Austria, statistics show a significant rise in alcohol-related accidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes. While alcohol-related car accidents among 20-to-29-year-olds have decreased, accidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes have risen by more than 55 percent since 2023. Experts suggest that the compact and seemingly harmless appearance of these vehicles leads to a false sense of security and impaired risk assessment among users.