Traffic rules for electric scooters
If you use an e-scooter, you must know and comply with a number of rules. The rules apply to all vehicles that are defined as small electric motor vehicles
Riders of e-scooters must essentially follow the same rules as cyclists, and on the same terms.
Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act forms the basis for the traffic rules, and its purpose is to ensure that everyone should be as safe as possible on our roads, whether they walk, cycle or drive. This means that you have a personal responsibility to ensure that your behaviour in traffic does not create dangerous and difficult situations for other road users.
Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act says that “Any person shall travel showing consideration, and being alert and cautious so that no damage or risk is caused, and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or inconvenienced. Road users shall also show consideration for those who live or spend time along the road."
This means that you must be considerate, vigilant and careful in traffic.
Age limit on e-scooters
The age limit for riding an e-scooter is 12 years. Keep in mind that rental companies may have a higher age limit, for example 16 or 18 years.
Helmet requirements
Children under the age of 15 are required to wear a helmet, but we recommend that everyone should wear one. There is a big difference to how seriously you may hurt yourself with and without a helmet.
Driving under the influence
It is illegal to ride an e-bike if you are under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating or narcotic substances. The general blood alcohol limit of 0.02 percent applies.
Passengers on e-scooters
It is not allowed to ride an e-scooter with a passenger. Nor is it allowed to have passengers in a trailer attached to the vehicle.
Show consideration when you park
You can park on pedestrian and cycle paths, on the pavement or in a pedestrian zone, as long as the scooter does not obstruct or inconvenience others. This means that it must not present a hindrance to those who walk or cycle.
You must park so that it does not obstruct people with special needs, such as wheelchair users and people with impaired vision.
When you park, be sure to leave your scooter in such a way that it does not tip over and cause problems for other road users.
You may be fined if you park incorrectly
If you park an e-scooter so that it obstructs or inconveniences others, or in an area where signs show that parking is not allowed, you may be fined NOK 900.
Where can you ride an e-scooter?
You can basically ride anywhere as long as you ride in the direction of traffic and follow the signs.
It is forbidden to ride an e-scooter on motorways and on roads where bicycles are banned by sign, such as on some bridges and in many tunnels.
When you ride an e-scooter, you are less visible than cars and more exposed to accidents. Do not take risks!
On the road
You may ride en e-scooter on the road together with cars. You must then follow the same traffic rules as other road users. This means, for example, that you
- must give way to traffic from the right
- must give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings
- must stop at red light
- must signal when you are turning
- must observe the speed limit
In public transport lanes
A public transport lane is a separate lane in the roadway. You can ride an e-scooter in the public transport lane. If you ride in the public transport lane, you must be careful to avoid the blind spot of the bus.
On pedestrian and cycle paths
Pedestrian and cycle paths are intended for those who walk and cycle, but they may also be used by e-scooters. Note that pedestrians may use both sides of the pedestrian and cycle path, while vehicle riders must ride on the right side. Remember that as the rider of a vehicle, you have a particular responsibility for paying attention to pedestrians.
In cycle lanes
Cycle lanes are separate lanes in the roadway marked with the cycle lane sign and road marking. E-scooters can also use this lane.
It is not permitted to ride in both directions in the same cycle lane, and thus you may only use the cycle lane on the right side of the road. Nor is it permitted to park or stop in a cycle lane.
If you are in a cycle lane with separate traffic lights for bicycles, you must follow these. Traffic lights do not apply to you if you ride on the pavement or on a pedestrian or cycle path.
On the pavement and on pedestrian paths
You may ride on pedestrian paths and pavements if you do not obstruct or endanger pedestrians. If there are many people on the pavement, you must dismount and wheel your scooter. If you are riding past someone, make sure you adjust your speed and keep a safe distance.
Across pedestrian crossings
You may ride across a pedestrian crossing as long as you are considerate of those who are walking. When you ride across the road at a pedestrian crossing, you are not considered a pedestrian, and other drivers are not required to give way to you.
In one-way streets
A one-way rule on streets and roads applies to all vehicle drivers, both cyclists and motorists. But in some streets the sign may have an additional panel showing that it is permitted to cycle in both directions. This additional panel also applies to e-scooters. If you ride in the opposite direction of cars in such streets, you need to be extra careful, because motorists often do not expect to meet oncoming traffic.
A one-way rule is usually signalled by the “No entry” sign at the end where entry is prohibited, and by the "One-way traffic” sign at the end where entry is permitted. If cyclists and e-scooters are excepted, this will be shown with the “sykkel unntatt (“Cycles excepted”) sign. If you ride on the pavement, the one-way rule does not apply.
On-the-spot fines
You may be issued an on-the-spot fine if you violate the traffic rules. If the violation is serious, you may be reported to the police. Fines and police reports are most often applied in connection with particularly dangerous behaviour.
Liability insurance required for all e-scooters
E-scooters will be covered by the Automobile Liability Act and must have liability insurance regardless of whether they are owned by rental companies or private individuals. This change applies from 1 September 2022 for e-scooters owned by rental companies and from 1 January 2023 for e-scooters owned by private individuals.