Germany’s Bundesrat approved amendments to the Electromobility Small Vehicles Regulation, initiating a comprehensive tightening of rules governing the use of electric scooters in public spaces. The reform follows a scientific evaluation required when the regulation was first introduced in 2019. That review examined how e-scooters have affected road safety, traffic behavior, and urban mobility, and its findings now form the basis of targeted legal changes.
One of the central objectives of the reform is to align e-scooter regulations more closely with those that already apply to bicycles. Behavioral rules for electric scooters will largely be transferred into the Road Traffic Act and the associated fine catalogue. This integration is intended to simplify traffic regulations and reduce the need for additional signage. As a result, e-scooter riders will be permitted to use green arrows designated for cyclists, and areas marked with the supplementary sign “bicycles permitted” may also be opened to electric scooters where conditions allow.
The amended regulation introduces significantly higher fines for violations that authorities describe as typical among e-scooter users. Riding on sidewalks, carrying more than one person, and parking in a manner that obstructs or endangers pedestrians will be penalized more strictly. These measures are aimed at improving safety and reducing conflicts, particularly in densely populated urban areas where pedestrian traffic is high.
Another major change concerns the regulation of shared e-scooter systems. Municipalities will be given greater authority to decide whether and where rental e-scooters may be parked in public spaces. Local authorities will be able to impose conditions on providers, such as requiring the use of designated parking areas or limiting free-floating models. This is intended to address widespread complaints about improperly parked rental scooters obstructing sidewalks and public pathways.
The reform also tightens technical standards for electric scooters. In the future, e-scooters must be equipped with turn indicators and stable stands. Additional requirements apply to braking systems, lighting, vehicle identification, and battery safety, with batteries required to comply with specific DIN standards.
In an accompanying resolution, the Bundesrat called on the federal government to close a liability gap related to accidents involving electric scooters. Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig announced plans to significantly tighten liability rules, making it easier for injured parties to claim compensation. She stressed that victims should not be left bearing costs when scooter riders cannot be identified or have fled the scene. The renewed focus on liability follows a sharp rise in e-scooter accidents involving injuries or fatalities in the past year.
Once the federal government incorporates the Bundesrat’s stipulations, the amended regulation can enter into force two months after promulgation. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, the new rules will apply after a transition period beginning in early 2027.
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