What are the rules for e-scooters, and how old do I have to be?
Conditional — there are now clear rules for e-scooters, even though for years there were almost none. E-scooters count as small electric vehicles under the Traffic Act no. 77/2019, and specific rules for them took effect in 2024. The rider must be at least 13, and anyone under 16 must always wear a helmet. The scooters are designed for 6–25 km/h, and it is illegal to modify them to go faster than 25 km/h. You may ride on cycle paths, pavements and footpaths, but not on the carriageway unless the speed limit is 30 km/h or lower. The myth is that e-scooters are a "legal grey zone" — that no age limit, helmet duty or drink rules apply. That was nearly true before 2024 but is wrong now: drink-riding an e-scooter brings fines at 0.5‰ just as in a car, phone use while riding is banned, and the scooter needs lights and reflectors. There is, however, no insurance requirement on the scooters themselves.
📋 The rules
- E-scooters count as small electric vehicles under the Traffic Act no. 77/2019; specific rules took effect in 2024.
- The rider must be at least 13, and anyone under 16 must always wear a helmet.
- The scooters are designed for 6–25 km/h, and it is illegal to modify them to exceed 25 km/h.
- You may ride on cycle paths, pavements and footpaths but not on the carriageway unless the speed limit is 30 km/h or lower; you must stop at red lights.
- Drink-riding brings fines at 0.5‰ as in a car, phone use while riding is banned, and the scooter needs a white front light, a red rear light and reflectors.
🔓 Exceptions
- On top of the legal minimum age, you must also follow the manufacturer's age guidance and the age limits set by rental firms, which are often higher than 13.
- Although a helmet is only required under 16, one is strongly recommended for everyone, regardless of age.
- There is no insurance requirement on e-scooters, but owners are urged to check for liability cover — damage you cause can otherwise land on you.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The rules look light but the penalties do not. The same rule applies to drink-riding an e-scooter as to a car: if blood alcohol goes above 0.5‰ you can expect fines, and more serious intoxication can bring heavier penalties. Using a phone while riding, riding too young or without a helmet under 16, and having modified the scooter to exceed 25 km/h are all finable offences. The hidden cost lies in damage: because there is no insurance requirement on the scooters, whoever causes an accident may have to pay a third party's losses out of their own pocket — medical costs, property damage and compensation — if no liability cover is in place. Parents can be liable for a child's damage, and a scooter parked so it blocks the way or creates a hazard may be removed at the owner's expense. On top of that, a drink-riding offence on an e-scooter goes on the record and can have wider consequences than many expect.
📎 Official sources
- Ísland.is / Samgöngustofa · e-scooters →
- Althingi · Traffic Act no. 77/2019 (small vehicles) →
- Government of Iceland · small-vehicle rules (2024) →
❓ Frequently asked
How old must an e-scooter rider be?
The rider must be at least 13 under rules that took effect in 2024, but you must also follow the manufacturer's age guidance and the age limits of rental firms. Anyone under 16 must always wear a helmet, and a helmet is recommended for everyone regardless of age.
Can I ride an e-scooter after drinking?
No, the same drink rules apply as for a car, and if blood alcohol goes above 0.5‰ you can expect fines. More serious intoxication can bring heavier penalties, and the offence goes on the record just like drink-driving a car.
Where am I allowed to ride the e-scooter?
You may ride on cycle paths, pavements and footpaths and across roads and crossings, but not on the carriageway unless the speed limit is 30 km/h or lower. On the pavement you must give way to pedestrians and ride no faster than you can safely stop, and the scooter must not be parked so it blocks others.
Is a helmet mandatory on an e-scooter?
A helmet is mandatory for riders under 16, while for older riders it is not required by law though strongly recommended. The same safety-equipment rules apply as for cyclists, so under 16 the helmet is not optional but a duty.
Do I need insurance for an e-scooter?
No, there is no statutory insurance requirement for e-scooters, but that also means damage you cause can land on you. Owners are therefore urged to check whether home liability cover or a separate policy extends to the scooter before an accident happens.
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