Am I allowed to ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
On the pavement no. E-scooters must use the cycle lane, and where there is none, the road — the pavement is off-limits (€25 fine). Only one person may ride. The 0.5 alcohol limit applies as for cars; for under-21s and drivers on probation it is 0.0. A valid insurance plate is mandatory — riding without one is a crime. Minimum age 14, top speed 20 km/h.
📋 The rules
- Ride on the cycle lane/track, otherwise on the road — pavement banned
- Only one person may ride the scooter (no doubling up)
- Alcohol limit 0.5 — under 21 and on probation it is 0.0
- A valid insurance plate (sticker) is mandatory; renewed yearly
- Minimum age 14; no driving licence required
- Design top speed 20 km/h; phone in hand and hands-free riding are banned
🔓 Exceptions
- Where cycling is permitted (e.g. one-way street against the flow), e-scooters may automatically ride there too since 2025/26
- On private land the road-traffic rules don't apply — operation is up to the owner
- Some cities close off certain zones or ban parking entirely
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Riding on the pavement: €25. Riding two-up: €25. Red light: €60–€180 plus a point. At 0.5–1.09‰: usually a €500 fine, points, a ban; from 1.1‰ a crime. Riding without an insurance plate is a crime (driving without compulsory insurance) — possibly a fine or up to one year in prison.
📎 Official sources
- ADAC · e-scooter rules & fines →
- Bußgeldkatalog · e-scooter rules →
- Federal Government · e-scooter rules tightened →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
No. E-scooters belong on the cycle lane, and where there is none, on the road. Riding on the pavement is banned and costs €25 — pedestrians have priority there.
What alcohol limit applies to e-scooters?
The same as for cars: 0.5. For riders under 21 and on probation it is 0.0. From 1.1 it is a crime — with a fine, points and possible loss of your car licence too.
Can I ride two-up on an e-scooter?
No, only one person may ride. Carrying a second person on the deck is banned and fined €25 — and it sharply raises the crash risk.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, a valid insurance plate is mandatory and must be renewed each year (by 1 March). Riding without insurance is not an administrative offence but a crime, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
What age can I ride an e-scooter?
From 14. No licence is needed. The design top speed is 20 km/h; faster devices are no longer approved e-scooters.
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