Reach your destination practically and safely with e-scooters

E-scooter
Reach your destination practically and safely with e-scooters
More and more e-scooters are populating city centers. Officially, the vehicles that are called e-scooters in the press are small electric vehicles. It sounds dry, but it is already boosting mobility in many other European city centers. What do I need to bear in mind when I'm out and about on an e-scooter in order to reach my destination as safely as possible?

A few weeks after the e-scooters were launched, there were already falls and collisions. The police advise people to take their time to familiarize themselves with the new means of transport. E-scooters are not toy scooters but motor vehicles subject to compulsory insurance. Practice getting on and off, starting and braking in places with little or no road traffic. Only ride in heavier traffic once you have gained a safe feeling for handling the new means of transportation.

 

No helmet requirement

As with cycling, there is no helmet requirement for e-scooters. BUT: Even falls at low speed can result in serious head injuries! Therefore, always wear a helmet for your own safety. It protects you from serious consequences in the event of an accident.

 

No driving license

The rider must be at least 14 years old. A driving license is not required.

 

Maximum speed 20 km/h

The maximum permitted speed for micro electric vehicles is 20 km/h. Anyone who technically modifies their small electric vehicle so that it travels faster than 20 km/h must expect administrative or criminal proceedings.

 

No alcohol

Attention: No alcohol. The same blood alcohol limits apply to e-scooters as for car drivers.

Blood alcohol limits for motor vehicles:

  • If you are driving a motor vehicle with 0.5 - 1.09 per mille and you are not under the influence of alcohol, you are committing an administrative offence and will receive a fine. This usually means: 500 euros, 1 month driving ban and 2 points in Flensburg. After the driving ban has expired, the driver's license is returned.
  • A criminal offence is always committed if the driver drives despite a blood alcohol concentration of 1.1 per mille or more. However, even with lower blood alcohol levels from around 0.3 per mille, it is no longer just a misdemeanour but a criminal offence if typical alcohol-related symptoms (serpentine driving, alcohol-related accident) are detected. In these cases, a fine may be imposed and repeat offenders may even face a prison sentence. The driver's license will be revoked for at least six months. If an accident is caused due to alcohol, it is at least 12 months.
  • An absolute ban on alcohol applies to novice drivers and young drivers. Anyone who is in their probationary period or under the age of 21 and drives under the influence of alcohol must pay a fine of 250 euros and receives one point in Flensburg. In addition, an advanced training seminar will be imposed and the probationary period will be extended from two to four years.

 

Walking path is taboo

Micro electric vehicles must use the cycle path. If there is no cycle path, they must use the roadway; the sidewalk is off-limits. The vehicles may only be used by one person. E-scooters are not allowed to ride side by side, and anyone turning with the vehicle must give hand signals, as when riding a bicycle. When parking, make sure that nobody is obstructed. Observe the information provided by cities and providers about parking options.

 

Handheld use

As with driving a car, this also applies to e-scooters: Hands off your cell phone or smartphone!

 

Insurance and registration

Microminiature electric vehicles are subject to compulsory insurance and must have an operating license! There is a risk of administrative offenses or even criminal proceedings.

 

The NRW police wish you a safe journey. Drive safely and fairly!

 

Further important information on the subject of small electric vehicles can be found here: https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/StV/elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-verordnung-faq.html

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