Technical requirements applying to e-scooters
In order to use an e-scooter on the pavement or a pedestrian and cycle path, it must meet a number of technical requirements.
How the vehicle is defined in the traffic rules will have an impact on where you can use it, and what consequences it will have if you break these rules.
Meeting the requirements is your responsibility
It is the driver/rider of a vehicle that is responsible for ensuring that it meets the technical requirements.
Consequences if the requirements are not met
If an e-scooter does not meet these requirements, you cannot use it on the pavement or on pedestrian and cycle paths.
If your e-scooter cannot be defined as a small electric motor vehicle based on the technical requirements, there are other requirements that you must comply with in order to use it. For example, it must be registered and insured, you must wear a motorcycle helmet, and you can only use the e-scooter in the roadway. If you violate these requirements, you may lose your driving licence or be fined.
Technical requirements
In order for an e-scooter to count as a small electric motor vehicle and be used on pavements and on pedestrian and cycle paths, it must
- weigh a maximum of 70 kg including battery
- not be wider than 85 cm and not longer than 120 cm
- have a speed limiter that blocks speeds above 20 km/h
Only vehicles with self-balancing technology are permitted to have a seat.
Speed limiter blocking speeds above 20 km/h
There are no speed limits applying to the use of e-scooters, but a speed limiter is required. The manufacturer is required to have installed a speed limiter that makes it impossible to achieve a speed of more than 20 km/h with motor power.
This requirement is not met if it is possible for you to change the maximum speed via a switch, a mode selector or an app.
Brake requirements
E-scooters must have a system that makes it possible to stop safely, efficiently and quickly.
Mandatory red reflector at the rear
The e-scooter must have a red reflector of an approved type at the rear. However, this requirement does not apply to e-scooters of a size or design that makes it impossible to install such reflector appropriately.
Light requirements
The e-scooter must have a headlamp with yellow or white light. It may also have a multifunctional lamp that can emit a flashing or solid white light at the front. The lamp should provide sufficient light without dazzling other road users. You can then use this when driving at dusk or dark.
At the rear, the bicycle must have a tail lamp that emits a red light or flashing red light.
The lamps must be clearly visible at a distance of 300 m. Lamps that emit a flashing light must flash at least 120 times per minute.
The lamps shall be attached to the e-scooter. Alternatively, the lamps may be attached to you when you ride the e-scooter, but not to your head.
Mandatory bell
An e-scooter must have a bell. However, this requirement does not apply to e-scooters of a size or design that makes it impossible to install or use such a bell appropriately.