Electric Scooters and E-Mopeds in Austria: Rules for 2026
Electric scooters and e-mopeds may look similar, but under Austrian rules they can belong to very different categories. From 1 October 2026, a significant proportion of e-mopeds are classified as motor vehicles, so bicycle rules no longer apply to them.
What counts as an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is a small electrically powered scooter with:
- a maximum output of no more than 600 watts;
- a designed speed (Bauartgeschwindigkeit) of no more than 25 km/h;
- one track, a footboard and wheels with an outside diameter of no more than 300 mm;
- no seat.
Anyone using this type of scooter must follow all traffic rules that apply to cyclists. Because of the scooter's handling characteristics, some additional and stricter provisions also apply. These take priority over the cyclist rules.
Where can you ride an e-scooter?
If a cycling facility (Radfahranlage), such as a cycle path, is available, you must use it and follow any required direction of travel.
You may also ride:
- on roads where cycling is permitted;
- in a pedestrian zone (Fußgängerzone), where permitted, at a speed adapted to pedestrian traffic;
- in a residential street (Wohnstraße) and a meeting zone (Begegnungszone), also at a speed adapted to pedestrians.
Riding lengthwise on a pavement or footpath is prohibited.
What is prohibited on an e-scooter?
You may not carry passengers or transport objects on the scooter. Hanging a bag or backpack from the handlebars is specifically prohibited. Only small items are permitted, such as a helmet, puncture repair kit or lock, and these must be held in a suitable holder attached to a non-moving part of the scooter.
The following are also prohibited:
- towing a trailer;
- using a phone while riding without a hands-free device;
- riding with a blood alcohol level above 0.5 per mille;
- riding under the influence of drugs.
Age limits and required equipment
Children under 12 may not ride an e-scooter alone in public traffic. They may do so only under the supervision of a person who is at least 16 years old. A child with a cycling licence (Radfahrausweis) may ride alone. A new rule makes a helmet compulsory for anyone under 16 (Helmpflicht unter 16).
Required e-scooter equipment includes:
- an effective braking system;
- a bell or horn;
- a white reflector at the front, a red reflector at the rear and yellow reflectors at the sides, or reflective foil;
- indicators at both ends of the handlebars, with yellow light to the front and rear and 90 ± 30 flashes per minute;
- in darkness and poor visibility, an additional strong, continuously illuminated white front light and red rear light.
When parked, the scooter must be positioned like a bicycle: it must not be able to fall over and must not obstruct traffic.
What changed for e-mopeds from 1 October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, e-mopeds are classified as motor vehicles (Kraftfahrzeug, Kfz) and are no longer considered bicycles. This includes two-wheeled electric small motorcycles in category L1e-B with a seat or bench seat.
The manufacturer's seat position determines the classification. A vehicle is considered an e-moped if, in at least one seat position, the seat reference point (R-Punkt) is higher than 540 mm above the ground. This information may be included in the vehicle documents. Otherwise, ask the manufacturer or main importer.
The new rule applies to:
- vehicles without pedals that are purely electric;
- pedal vehicles if the motor can also be activated without pedalling, using a throttle or similar control.
Electric bicycles (E-Bikes) that have only push assistance or start assistance—electric power only at walking speed—remain bicycles if they meet the power and speed limits of the Motor Vehicles Act (Kraftfahrgesetz, KFG).
What do you need for an e-moped?
If the vehicle is classified as an e-moped, obligations similar to those for conventional mopeds apply:
- Place of use: only on the road; cycle paths and cycle lanes are prohibited.
- Registration: Kfz-Zulassung; insurance is compulsory before registration.
- Licence plate: at the rear and fully visible.
- Technical inspection: annually (Pickerl).
- Driving licence: at least category AM (Mopedführerschein); a category B driving licence includes this category.
- Helmet: compulsory.
- Alcohol: the limits that apply to motor vehicle drivers.
A moped-class vehicle, with a maximum speed of 45 km/h, may not be used on motorways or expressways.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a driving licence for an electric scooter?
No. A 600-watt and 25 km/h e-scooter does not require a driving licence, but the age rules must be followed.
Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
No. Riding lengthwise on a pavement or footpath is prohibited. In a pedestrian zone, it is allowed only where authorised and at a speed adapted to pedestrians.
How can I tell whether my vehicle is an e-moped?
The decisive factor is the height of the seat reference point. If it is higher than 540 mm in at least one seat position, the vehicle is classified as an e-moped. Check the vehicle documents or ask the manufacturer or main importer.
Can I ride an e-moped with a category B driving licence?
Yes. Category B already includes category AM.
Practical steps before you ride
- Check the vehicle's power, designed speed, wheel size and whether it has a seat.
- If it has a seat, check the seat reference point and confirm the classification in the vehicle documents or with the manufacturer.
- For an e-scooter, verify the lights, reflectors, indicators, brakes and bell or horn.
- Follow the correct route: use a cycling facility for an e-scooter where one is available, while an e-moped must use the road.
- If it is an e-moped, arrange Kfz-Zulassung, compulsory insurance, a rear licence plate, an annual Pickerl, the required driving licence and a helmet before using it.
This article is based on information available online and is not legal advice. Use of this information is at your own responsibility. For professional advice, contact a lawyer or other relevant specialist.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at