The New Regulation of Electric Scooters in Austria

The thirty-first amendment to Austrian traffic regulations introduced new rules for electric scooter use. According to these, electric scooters, which are subject to paragraph 88b of the Road Traffic Regulations, can travel according to the rules applicable to cyclists. The scooters’ performance must not exceed 600 watts, and their speed is limited to 25 km/h.

Age Limit and Equipment

The legally mandated minimum age for operating electric scooters is 12 years, but under certain conditions, children as young as 9 or 10 can ride if they have a bicycle driving license. Younger children can only use scooters with a companion at least 16 years old. In playgrounds and residential streets where general vehicle traffic is prohibited, children are allowed to use scooters without a companion.

Electric scooters must have effective braking systems, as well as lighting devices: a white light in front, a red light at the back, and yellow reflectors or reflective foils on the sides. In poor visibility conditions and after dark, the use of lights is mandatory.

According to traffic regulations for scooters, they must be used in accordance with bicycle rules. They should primarily travel on bicycle paths when available. If no bicycle path is available, electric scooters may be used on roads designated for motor vehicles. Riding on sidewalks and pedestrian paths is prohibited, except when local authorities provide special permission, in which case the speed must not exceed walking pace.

When using electric scooters, every user is expected to behave in a way that does not endanger or obstruct others. Special attention should be paid to cases where sidewalks and pedestrian paths may be used. Scooters should not be used by two people at once, and care must be taken to ensure that their storage does not disturb other users.