What traffic rules are there for which vehicles? The variety and number of vehicles on the road are constantly growing. There are now numerous vehicle classes that can be found on public roads. And so that hopeless chaos doesn't arise here, rules help to organize coexistence. On the one hand, traffic rules guarantee respectful interaction and protect cyclists, but on the other hand, one or two rules are worthy of discussion. Here is an overview of the most important things.
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Did you know that you can...e-scooters Are you not allowed to drive on the sidewalk or in the pedestrian zone?
The small e-scooters are a thorn in the side of many people. The problems are usually not with the e-scooters themselves, but rather with their use. Because there are also rules for the nimble small electric vehicles.
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First of all, it is important to know where you can actually ride the scooters. Because contrary to what most people do, you can't just drive wherever you want. On the contrary, it also applies to e-scooter traffic rules! For example, you can only use your e-scooter on cycle paths, or if there are no cycle paths available, even on the street. However, driving on sidewalks and especially in pedestrian zones is not permitted! In general, e-scooter traffic rules are very similar to those for bicycles. In addition, common sense often helps, as e-scooters are definitely not suitable for pedestrian zones. Although there is no obligation to wear a helmet, we always recommend wearing a helmet, as even an accident at 20 km/h can end badly. You don't need a driving license for e-scooters, but the minimum age is 14 years.
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Is there anything else to consider?
It is also important to know that e-scooters are not considered a replacement for a car if you have a beer or two. In general, in our opinion, e-scooters are ideal for the first andlastmile and can therefore definitely replace a car in conjunction with public transport, although the same alcohol limits apply to e-scooters (as to other electric two-wheelers) as to cars. Especially as a young person on probation, you shouldn't have any stupid thoughts. Speaking of stupid thoughts: e-scooters are only approved for 1 person and often have a rather low permissible total weight 100kg - 150kg. This means that riding an e-scooter with two people is not a good idea.
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Do you have to register an e-scooter?
Clearly: yes! Only registered e-scooters are allowed on German roads. As opposed toPedelecs (also colloquially known as e-bikes) insurance is required for e-scooters. This means that a small insurance license plate is required. The insurance is not too expensive and you can sometimes find good deals for around €30 a year. When buying, you should also make sure that the scooter meets the minimum requirements for roadworthy equipment. This specifically means that brakes and lights must be present (of course, most people probably think that makes sense anyway, but you never know what ideas manufacturers will come up with to reduce costs).
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What other e-scooter traffic rules need to be observed?
As already mentioned, e-scooters are subject to similar traffic regulations as bicycles. Therefore, bicycle traffic lights also apply to e-scooters and one-way streets can also be used in the opposite direction of travel. Likewise, most e-scooters can be taken on public transport when folded up (if possible). However, it is always better to ask the local transport provider what exactly is allowed.
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The maximum speed for e-scooters in Germany is limited to 20 km/h. A deviation of 10%, i.e. 2 km/h, is tolerated. But it's still not particularly fast. Our neighboring countries are not so strict here. Austria allows e-scooters up to 25 km/h. OneCompulsory insurance is not mandatory. This also applies in Spain. You can also drive 25 km/h in France, but insurance is mandatory. The Netherlands is completely different: e-scooters are completely banned here. Only if the e-scooter has a seat is it considered a moped and may be used. It's a shame that Europe has not yet found a uniform regulation here.
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If you are already convinced about e-scooters, then see if you can find the right one at voylt or go for ite-Finderto find the right vehicle for you.
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Not all e-bikes are the same
The vehicle class of e-bikes is divided into:Pedelecs,S-Pedelecs ande-bikes. The difference lies in the power of the motor and the pedal assistance up to a certain top speed. Like other non-motorized bicycles, only Pedelecs up to 25 km/h are allowed to use cycle paths. You also don't need an insurance plate. S-Pedelecs are neither bicycles nor light mopeds. You are therefore not allowed to use cycle paths under any circumstances. This also means that cycle streets may only be used if a corresponding exception is added to the traffic sign. You also need a seasonal insurance license plate. The minimum age for drivers of S-Pedelecs is 16 years, an AM driving license is required and a suitable helmet must be worn. The alcohol limit also applies the same as for cars: 0.5 per mille is an administrative offense.
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E-mopeds – creeping along the road at 45 km/h
In Germany, vehicles in class L1e are allowed to drive at a maximum speed of 45 km/h. It can happen that some drivers jostle in the city because thatmoped is therefore slower than the 50 km/h permitted on the inner-city route. The safe driving feeling is lost here.
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Why is the top speed limited to 45 km/h?
The reason is the standardization of the European Union's speed limits, which was decided in 1992. In 7 of the 12 EEC states there was already a limit of 45 km/h. Three countries (including Germany and Austria) had a speed limit of 50 km/h for mopeds up to 50 cc. So they adapted to the majority in order to reduce trade barriers and strengthen the internal market. The limitation also has a safety aspect. Noordzij, Forke, Brendicke and Chinn came to the conclusion in 2001 that drivers of mopeds had comparatively frequent accidents in the 1990s. In 2018, insurers' accident research contradicted this theory. They come to the conclusion that as the speed of the scooters is reduced, the risk of accidents increases rather than decreases. The target group has also changed now. It seems to us that a reassessment of this regulation is overdue.
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Scooter from the GDR
In the GDR the maximum speed for 50 cm³ scooters was 60 km/h. For all scooters from the Federal Republic that were registered up to 2001 or were produced in the GDR, exception rules apply to these speeds. You are still allowed to drive 50 or 60 km/h.
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Are e-mopeds allowed to drive on the highway?
No. For safety reasons, mopeds are not allowed to drive on motorways. Only vehicles with a design-related maximum speed of at least 60 km/h are allowed to use expressways. In Switzerland it is even 80 km/h.
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E-motorcycles are also subject to certain rules
Riding on just one bike is prohibited and will result in a fine. If a motorcycle has a defect or a flat tire, it may not be towed by another road user. The following applies here: If you love your motorcycle, you push it. If you want to quickly park your motorcycle on the corner, you must also use designated parking areas that are designated for cars or motorcycles. Just because a motorcycle requires less parking space doesn't mean it can be parked everywhere. And be careful when you see a single helmet lying on the side of the road! Since motorcycles do not necessarily have a warning triangle, the sign of a helmet on is considered a warning of a danger zone. Here other road users should reduce their speed and be careful.
If you - like us - don't want to miss out on riding an electric two-wheeler despite all these regulations, you are welcome to come to oursVehicleanoffer browse. There is sure to be a suitable vehicle for you too.