German Cabinet Approves New Regulations for E-Scooters

The German federal cabinet has sanctioned a draft regulation aimed at updating the rules governing electric scooters, or E-scooters, across the country. The proposed adjustments are part of the ongoing efforts to harmonize E-scooter regulations with those already established for bicycles, focusing on safety, proper parking, and stricter penalties for violations.

Under the new regulatory framework, all newly manufactured E-scooters will be required to feature turn indicators starting from 2027. This addition is intended to enhance road safety by improving the visibility and predictability of E-scooter users in traffic. Furthermore, local municipalities will be granted the authority to establish specific rules regarding the parking of rental E-scooters, aiming to address concerns over improper parking that can impede pedestrians and other road users.

The updated guidelines also bring E-scooter traffic rules closer in line with those applicable to bicycles. For example, E-scooter riders will be permitted to use green arrow signals at red lights, a privilege previously reserved for cyclists. Additionally, both bicycles and E-scooters will be allowed to park on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones, provided that their placement does not pose a danger or inconvenience to others.

In response to a noticeable increase in accidents involving E-scooters, particularly those resulting in injuries or fatalities, the revised regulation proposes higher fines for certain infractions. The penalty for riding an E-scooter on sidewalks, which was previously set at 15 euros, will be increased to 25 euros, aligning it with the fine imposed on cyclists for similar offenses. The fine for unauthorized riding with multiple passengers will also rise from 5 euros to 25 euros.

Since their legalization in 2019, E-scooters have become a common mode of urban transportation in Germany. With this growth, new challenges have emerged, especially concerning the management of shared mobility devices and their impact on public spaces. The Ministry of Transport initiated a review of the existing E-scooter regulation to assess its effectiveness, goals, and impact on road safety. Consultations with federal states and various interest groups have taken place, and the draft regulation was subsequently submitted to the European Commission for notification, as required for such legislative changes.

The cabinet's approval is a significant step forward, but the regulation must still receive endorsement from the Bundesrat, Germany's federal council, before it can be enacted. Once implemented, the new measures are expected to contribute to safer, more orderly integration of E-scooters into the country's overall mobility landscape while providing municipalities with greater flexibility in managing these vehicles.

Industry observers note that the proposed changes are a response to evolving urban mobility patterns and the need for clear, enforceable rules. By aligning E-scooter regulations with those for bicycles and increasing penalties for violations, the government aims to foster responsible use and enhance safety for all road users.