Electric Scooter Laws in Europe 2026: France, Germany, Austria & Belgium

Updated September 2026. Rules change; always verify with your local authority before riding.

Quick Answer: What Are the 2026 E-Scooter Rules in Europe?

France: 25 km/h, Age 14+, Liability Insurance

France classifies electric scooters as Engins de Deplacement Personnel Motorises (EDPM). The rules are set nationally and enforced nationwide.

• Speed limit: 25 km/h. The scooter must be factory-limited; tampering with the speed limiter is illegal.
• Minimum age: 14 years.
• Insurance: You must carry civil liability insurance that covers damage to others. Many home insurance policies (multirisque habitation) already cover this - check yours.
• Where to ride: Bike lanes (pistes cyclables) are mandatory where they exist. On roads with a speed limit <=50 km/h, you may ride on the road. Sidewalks are strictly prohibited.
• Equipment: Front white/yellow light, rear red light, bell, and reflective gear. Headphones are prohibited while riding.
• Fines: Riding on a sidewalk, exceeding 25 km/h, or carrying a passenger can cost up to EUR 135 and more in repeat cases.

Germany: 20 km/h, Insurance Plate, Age 14+

Germany regulates e-scooters under the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung (eKFV). Every scooter sold for road use must have a general operating permit (ABE / Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis).

• Speed limit: 20 km/h maximum (type-approved). Any scooter that can be modified to go faster is not street-legal.
• Minimum age: 14 years. No driving license or mofa test certificate required.
• Insurance plate (Versicherungsplakette): Mandatory. You must buy an annual insurance sticker (around EUR 50-80/year) and display it on the rear. Without it, you are driving uninsured.
• Where to ride: Bike lanes (Radwege). If no bike lane exists, ride on the road. Sidewalks are prohibited. Riding against the direction of traffic is prohibited.
• Equipment: Two independent brakes, front and rear lights, a bell, and reflective strips. A standing deck only - seats are not permitted on eKFV-approved scooters.
• Alcohol limit: 1.6 per mille (lower than cars). Under 16, 0.0 per mille applies.

What This Means for Buying a Lightweight E-Scooter

The most important difference between France and Germany is the speed limit: 25 km/h in France, 20 km/h in Germany. Brands like PHSCOO ship region-specific versions - the same scooter chassis, factory-limited to the legal speed for your market. Always confirm you are buying the version approved for your country.

Other buying considerations:

• Turn signals: Not legally required everywhere, but strongly recommended in city traffic. The PHSCOO Butterfly Ultra includes E-marked front and rear turn signals.
• Lights: Mandatory in all four countries. Check that the scooter has a front light, rear brake light, and side reflectors.
• Insurance-ready: In Germany, the scooter must come with an ABE approval document so you can buy the insurance plate. In France, confirm the scooter meets EDPM equipment standards.
• Weight and portability: Legal rules do not affect portability, but if you combine scooter with train, a 13.5 kg folding model matters more than a 25 kg one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driving license to ride an electric scooter in Europe?

No. In France, Germany, Austria, and Belgium, no driving license is required for class-approved e-scooters under the local speed limit. The minimum age is 14 in France and Germany, 16 in Belgium.

Is a helmet mandatory for electric scooters in France or Germany?

No. Helmets are not mandatory for adults in France or Germany, but they are strongly recommended. In some French departments (e.g. Hauts-de-Seine), reflective vests are required at night.

Can I ride my electric scooter on the sidewalk?

No. In all four countries, sidewalk riding is prohibited. You must use bike lanes where available, and otherwise ride on the road. Fines for sidewalk riding start at EUR 135 in France.

What happens if I buy a 25 km/h scooter in Germany?

A scooter factory-rated above 20 km/h does not have German ABE approval. You cannot register it, buy the insurance plate, or ride it legally on public roads. Make sure the scooter you buy is the 20 km/h version for Germany.

Is electric scooter insurance expensive?

In Germany, annual liability insurance costs roughly EUR 50-80. In France, many home insurance (multirisque habitation) policies already cover EDPM use at no extra cost. Check your existing policy before buying a separate one.

Can I take my electric scooter on the train?

Yes, most European train operators allow folded e-scooters as hand luggage. SNCF in France and Deutsche Bahn in Germany both allow folded e-scooters on regional and long-distance trains at no extra charge. Check the operator current policy for peak-hour restrictions.

Sources

France: service-public.fr (EDPM rules, updated August 2026). Germany: eKFV (Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung), Stiftung Warentest, HUK-Coburg. This guide is for general information and does not replace legal advice. Always check your local prefecture or vehicle authority for the latest rules.