From what age can you ride an e-scooter?
From 14 — and a helmet is compulsory until 18. The minimum age for riding an electric scooter is 14; younger children may not ride one, not even under a parent's supervision. A helmet is compulsory for everyone under 18, and both CSDD and the State Police recommend one for adults too. The technical limit: only scooters whose maximum speed does not exceed 25 km/h and whose motors' combined power does not exceed 1000 W may be registered. And the part most riders do not know: e-scooter riders face the same administrative penalties as cyclists — including for alcohol and for using a phone while riding.
📋 The rules
- Minimum age: 14
- Helmet compulsory under 18
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: up to 1000 W
- Penalties — the same as for cyclists
🔓 Exceptions
- A scooter capable of more than 25 km/h falls under different requirements
- From 2026 OCTA becomes compulsory for electric conveyances too
- The alcohol and phone restrictions apply to scooter riders as well
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The penalties are the cyclists' ones — and they are real. Using a phone while riding costs a scooter rider €10–30, while alcohol costs €70 at 0.5–1.0‰, €120 at 1.0–1.5‰ and €170 above 1.5‰. A helmet under 18 is not advice but a requirement. And pay attention to the power rating: if your scooter exceeds 25 km/h or 1000 W, different and stricter rules apply to it — in law it is no longer a simple scooter, and the consequences can be far more serious. From 2026, electric conveyances also need OCTA — check whether that now covers your ride.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age for riding an electric scooter is 14. Younger children are not permitted to ride one, not even under a parent's supervision, because the rule sits in the road traffic regulations.
Is a helmet compulsory?
A helmet is compulsory for all electric scooter riders under the age of 18. For adults it is strongly recommended by CSDD and the State Police, since head injuries cause most of the serious outcomes.
What is the speed limit?
Only electric scooters whose maximum speed does not exceed 25 km/h and whose motors' combined power does not exceed 1000 W may be registered. More powerful machines fall under different rules.
Is drink-riding punished on a scooter?
It is. E-scooter riders face the same penalties as cyclists: 70 euros at 0.5–1.0 promille, 120 euros at 1.0–1.5 and 170 euros above 1.5 promille. The rider, not the vehicle, is what matters.
Will I need OCTA?
From 2026 OCTA becomes compulsory for electric conveyances. Check whether the requirement covers your particular scooter, because the fines for having no policy are substantial and fall on the owner.
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