When is my e-scooter considered roadworthy?
An e-scooter is considered roadworthy if it has the minimum equipment required by law. This is usually a bell or horn, brakes, reflectors and lights. Only then can you really ride the e-scooter safely .
How do I make my e-scooter roadworthy in Germany?
In keeping with German style, the equipment of e-scooters in Germany is regulated in great detail in the so-called Electric Micro-Vehicles Ordinance. Section 2 e-KFV regulates the requirements for putting an e-scooter into operation on public roads and refers to a number of other provisions. Sections 4-7 e-KFV are important for the equipment. The following equipment must be present:
- two independent brakes – front and rear
- a white light to the front and a red tail light to the rear (these may be removable.)
- side reflectors
- at least one bright-sounding bell
Furthermore, you are allowed to use indicators that point forwards and backwards. This means you can use flashers on your e-scooter .
For more details please contact the legislator directly.
In addition, lighting such as Flasher's bracelets can increase visibility on bicycles and e-scooters and can be used as StVZO-compliant indicators for greater stability.
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What equipment does my e-scooter need to be considered roadworthy in Austria?
In Austria, § 88b StVO regulates the mandatory equipment of scooters. The list is comparatively short, as the equipment only has to include:
- effective brake
- Reflectors or reflective foils white to the front, red to the rear and yellow to the sides
- in the dark a white light to the front and a red light to the rear
Indicators are not mentioned in the StVO and are certainly not excluded, which means that they can be used. You can also safely use flashers on the road. We explain why this is the case here: Using flashers on bicycles and e-scooters
Equipment for e-scooters in Switzerland
The category “motorized bicycles” also includes e-scooters. Their equipment requirements can be found in Art 178 - 178b VTS. In summary, the following equipment is necessary:
- two brakes, one acting on the front wheel and the other on the rear wheel
- At least one white light to the front and one red light to the rear
- Reflectors front and rear
- Reflectors on the sides
- clearly audible bell
Swiss law also specifically allows the use of direction indicators such as flashers on bicycles .
The Federal Roads Office ASTRA has created a comprehensive overview table where you can get more detailed information.