Wie schnell darf ein E-Scooter fahren?

E-scooters are popular worldwide. They can also be ridden outside of city limits. They have a major advantage: they are very easy to use. They are small, and many can be easily folded, making them easy to transport on public transport.

However, this increasing popularity repeatedly raises questions such as: “How fast can an e-scooter go?” or “Are e-scooters allowed on the road?”. Other questions concern driver's licenses or insurance. 

The following article answers the most frequently asked questions. Find out now how fast you are allowed to ride an e-scooter.

Buying an e-scooter: What to consider regarding speed

Since 2019, e-scooters have become a common sight on German roads. Nevertheless, questions about e-scooters still arise. For example: "What exactly is an e-scooter?" 

An e-scooter is a kick scooter powered by an electric motor. Officially, e-scooters are classified as electric micro-vehicles. Therefore, they are subject to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). 

Are you thinking of buying an e-scooter? Then you should consider a few important factors. Due to legal regulations, an e-scooter must have one crucial feature: it must possess a general operating permit. This means it must have an ABE marking.  

For an e-scooter to be street legal, it must meet the following mandatory conditions:

• The speed must not exceed 20 km/h (if the e-scooter reaches 25 km/h or even more, it may not be driven in public areas!).

• The maximum power output must not exceed 500 watts. 

• It must have a handlebar or steering rod. 

• The e-scooter must have a proper brake.

• The lighting must be properly in place. 

• A functioning doorbell or bell must be present.

If the e-scooter meets these requirements, then nothing stands in the way of riding pleasure.

Important: An e-scooter must have insurance.

E-scooters must be insured! This important point should not be overlooked when using an e-scooter. Riding an e-scooter on the road is prohibited without valid insurance. This also applies to all public roads.

• Cycle paths,

• Cycle paths or

• other marked routes. 

Liability insurance is responsible for covering any damage that may occur to other road users. Once you take out insurance, you will receive a sticker from the insurance company. This sticker must be affixed to the e-scooter. 

How fast are e-scooters allowed to go in Germany?

In Germany, e-scooters are subject to similar regulations as bicycles. They may be ridden on cycle lanes, cycle paths, and cycle streets. If these are not available or are clearly marked on the road, they may also be ridden there. 

The only requirement is that the e-scooter must not exceed a maximum speed of 20 km/h. The rider must also be at least 14 years old. Therefore, the question, "How fast can an e-scooter go in Germany?" can be answered with approximately 20 km/h. 

What is the maximum speed allowed for an e-scooter?

As already mentioned, an e-scooter must not exceed a maximum speed of 20 km/h. 

E-scooter speed and minimum age

To ride an e-scooter, you must be at least 14 years old. This has also been legally established.

E-scooter speed on the sidewalk

E-scooters that travel faster than 6 km/h are not allowed on sidewalks. This means that e-scooters with a maximum speed of 20 km/h are not permitted on sidewalks or in pedestrian zones. 

Exception : There is a designated bicycle lane or cycle path! 

Increasing e-scooter speed - is that allowed?

Speed tuning of e-scooters is not permitted! Removing the speed limiter will result in a fine . It can also lead to the suspension of your right to use the vehicle on public roads.

Differences in speed regulations for e-scooters in Europe

The legal regulations for Germany have already been outlined. However, different regulations apply to e-scooters in Europe, for example in Switzerland and Austria. 

How fast are e-scooters allowed to go in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, riding an e-scooter is permitted from the age of 16. The maximum allowed speed is 20 km/h. Riding an e-scooter is subject to the same legal regulations as in Germany. 

How fast are e-scooters allowed to go in Austria?

Austrian legislation has some differences regarding the speed of e-scooters. In Austria, the maximum permitted speed is 20 km/h or 500 watts. 

Why are there speed limits for e-scooters?

The speed limit for e-scooters was introduced to prevent endangering themselves and others in public traffic. For this reason, the maximum speed was limited to 20 km/h. 

E-scooter speed and safety: How does it affect riding safety?

The speed of an e-scooter has a significant impact on its handling. As with any other vehicle equipped with an electric or gasoline-powered engine, the braking distance increases at higher speeds. 

Excessive speed also increases the risk of injury. For greater safety, a helmet should be worn. 

E-scooters are small and relatively light. They are also easy to transport. Because of this, it's clear that they weren't designed for high speeds. They are intended to make covering short distances easier. 

How fast is a street-legal e-scooter allowed to go?

E-scooters are manufactured to reach a minimum speed of 6 km/h. For everyday use, speeds of up to 20 km/h are permitted. Under certain conditions, e-scooters may be ridden at this speed in public areas. 

An e-scooter with road approval must not exceed 20 km/h. If this speed is exceeded, the driver's license can be revoked, and a fine may also be imposed.

This means that e-scooters may only be ridden on private roads and paths. Furthermore, you must expect to pay a fine. The questions, "What is the maximum speed allowed for an e-scooter?" or "How fast can an e-scooter without a license plate go?" can be answered clearly: The maximum speed allowed is 20 km/h.