New Rules for Electric Scooters in Austria
Austria’s latest, 31st amendment to its traffic regulations introduced new rules for electric scooters. Under Section 88b of the Straßenverkehrsordnung, electric scooters must generally follow the rules that apply to bicycles. Their power may not exceed 600 watts, and their speed may not exceed 25 km/h.
Age limits and required equipment
The legal minimum age for riding an electric scooter is 12. However, children aged 9 or 10 may ride if they have a bicycle riding licence. Younger children may use an electric scooter only when accompanied by someone who is at least 16 years old.
In play streets and residential streets where a general ban on motor vehicle traffic applies, children may also use electric scooters without an accompanying person.
Electric scooters must have effective braking systems and lighting equipment:
- a white light at the front;
- a red light at the rear; and
- yellow reflectors or reflective foil on the sides.
The lights must be used in poor visibility and after dark.
Where electric scooters may be ridden
Electric scooters must be used according to the traffic rules for bicycles. They should primarily be ridden on cycle paths when these are available. If there is no cycle path, electric scooters may be used on roads designated for motor vehicles.
Riding on pavements and pedestrian paths is prohibited unless local authorities have specifically permitted it. In that case, the speed must not exceed walking pace.
Safety and parking rules
All road users are expected to behave in a way that does not endanger or obstruct others. Particular care is required when pavements or pedestrian paths may be used.
Electric scooters must not be ridden by two people at the same time. They must also be parked or stored so that they do not obstruct other road users.
Practical steps before riding
- Check that the scooter’s power does not exceed 600 watts and that its maximum speed does not exceed 25 km/h.
- Test the brakes and check the required front, rear and side lighting equipment.
- Confirm that the rider meets the age requirement and has a bicycle riding licence where required.
- Use a cycle path if one is available; otherwise, use a road designated for motor vehicles.
- Do not ride on pavements or pedestrian paths unless the local authority has permitted it, and then keep to walking pace.
- Ride alone and park the scooter without obstructing other people.