AT(EUR)
US(USD)
GB(GBP)
AU(AUD)
⏱ 6 min read
The 30-second answer
Three European countries already require turn signals — Austria, Italy and Spain. Germany requires them on all new scooters from 1 January 2027. France and Belgium do not require them yet.
Already own a scooter? In Germany, your current scooter is fine — there's no retrofit rule. In Austria and Italy, even older scooters must now have indicators, so it matters where you ride.
Buying now? Pick a scooter with factory-fitted indicators and you're legal everywhere, today and after 2027.
Turn signals are the single fastest-changing part of European e-scooter law. This guide cuts the legal jargon and answers the three questions riders actually ask: Where are they required? Do I have to change my current scooter? And what should I buy?
1. Where are turn signals required?
| Country | Indicators required? | Since when | Does my current scooter need them? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ?? Austria | ✓ YES | 1 May 2026 | Yes — no exemption for older scooters |
| ?? Italy | ✓ YES | 14 Dec 2024 | Yes — plus helmet & insurance for all |
| ?? Spain | ✓ YES | New equipment rule | Amber indicators front & rear now listed as mandatory |
| ?? Germany | ⏰ NEW ONLY | 1 Jan 2027 | No — existing scooters are exempt |
| ?? France | ✘ Optional | — | No (lights, bell, brakes & reflectors are required) |
| ?? Belgium | ✘ Not required | — | No (bell, brakes, reflectors, lights in low visibility) |
| ?? Netherlands | ⚠ Approval-based | From July 2025 | Only RDW-approved scooters are road-legal at all |
⚠️ The Austria/Germany border trap: a German rider whose older scooter is perfectly legal at home can be riding illegally the moment they cross into Austria — because Austria has no exemption for existing scooters, while Germany does. If you ride across borders, indicators aren't optional in practice.
2. Do I have to change or retrofit my current scooter?
?? Germany — no, keep riding yours
The amended eKFV regulation (enacted 30 Jan 2026, published 6 Feb 2026) requires indicators only on newly produced scooters from 1 January 2027. Under the transition rule (§15 eKFV), every scooter already sold with valid approval stays legal forever — you do not have to retrofit. You simply keep signalling turns by hand. (New traffic rules and higher fines do apply to everyone from 1 March 2027, but those don't concern indicators.)
?? Austria — yes, and there's no grace period
The 36th StVO amendment, in force since 1 May 2026, requires indicators on every e-scooter, regardless of when it was bought. They must be yellow, mounted at the ends of the handlebars, visible front and rear, and flash at 90 ± 30 times per minute. Importantly, Austrian authorities (ÖAMTC) have clarified that rear-mounted lights and indicator-helmets do not count. Under-16 helmets are mandatory and the alcohol limit drops to 0.5‰.
?? Italy — yes, with steep fines
Indicators have been required since 14 December 2024, alongside a helmet for every rider, insurance and an identifying mark. Riding a non-compliant scooter can cost €200–800.
?? Spain — yes under the updated equipment list
Amber flashing indicators front and rear now appear on the mandatory equipment list, together with dual brakes, a bell, lights and reflectors. Reflective clothing is required after dark; some cities (Barcelona, Madrid) also run local registration.
?? France & ?? Belgium — hand signals remain legal
Indicators are allowed but optional. France requires brakes, a bell, front/rear position lights and reflectors; note that since 7 August 2026 helmets and reflective gear are compulsory in Paris and the surrounding "small crown" departments.
?? Netherlands — check approval first
The Netherlands treats approved scooters as light mopeds requiring RDW type approval, a blue plate and insurance; indicators are part of that approval. Most scooters sold elsewhere in Europe — including German-registered ones — are not RDW-approved and can't legally be ridden on Dutch roads. Verify the RDW register before you travel.
What about bolting on aftermarket indicators?
Aftermarket kits help with safety, but they often don't satisfy the law. Germany's 2027 rule calls for approved, permanently integrated indicators — adhesive LED strips won't qualify — and Austria only accepts handlebar-end units. Wiring, folding stress and separate batteries make retrofit kits a stopgap rather than a real fix.
3. What should you buy?
The direction of travel across Europe is clear: indicators are moving from "nice to have" to "required." A scooter with certified, factory-fitted turn signals is the only choice that's legal in Austria, Italy and Spain today and ready for Germany in 2027 — and it's simply safer at junctions regardless of the law.
When you compare models, check the signals are genuinely certified (E-Mark / StVZO), visible from the side, and integrated rather than taped on. A bare headlight plus reflectors is no longer enough in the stricter markets.
The PHSCOO Butterfly Ultra ships ready for these rules: E-Mark certified front and rear indicators, a K-Mark high/low-beam headlight, rear brake light, side reflectors and a deck ambient light, plus EN 17128 compliance and IPX5 water resistance. If you currently ride a popular model without signals — such as an E-TWOW — our comparison for E-TWOW riders walks through the switch.
Legal across Europe — today and after 2027
Factory-fitted E-Mark turn signals, dual suspension, 8.5" wheels. From €699 with battery-included warranty and free European shipping.
Related reading:
- E-TWOW Riders: If You Want Turn Signals, Here's an Alternative
- Lightweight Electric Scooter for European Commuting: 2026 Buyer's Guide
- PHSCOO Official Warranty & After-Sales Policy
Sources & disclaimer: Summarised from official and consumer-protection sources current as of September 2026, including the German eKFV amendment (Bundesgesetzblatt 2026 Part I No. 32; §5 and §15), the Austrian Federal Ministry (BMIMI) and KFV guidance on the 36th StVO amendment (in force 1 May 2026), Italian Law n. 177 of 25 November 2024, the European Consumer Centre (ECC/EVZ) overviews for Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, and service-public.gouv.fr for France. E-scooter law changes frequently and local orders can be stricter than national rules. Always confirm the current binding requirements with the relevant national transport authority before buying or riding abroad. This is general information, not legal advice; PHSCOO cannot accept liability for fines arising from reliance on it.