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29/10/2018

Germany’s conditions to legalise electric kick scooters (Personal Light Electric Vehicles): number plate, insurance and driving licence.

Photo: Elvert Barnes on Flickr CC BY SA 2.0So far, Germany is among the few countries, where such vehicles are prohibited. In 2018, the Berlin police confiscated more than 60 of the vehicles already. Driving a car without registration is an administrative offence, which costs 70 euros. But Germany’s policymakers see the trend, and the Ministry of Transport started drafting a new regulation that will legalise some of the vehicles, likely coming into force beginning of 2019.

However, vehicles without handlebar, such as hoverboards and uniwheels will remain forbidden. On the other PLEV, Germany plans to introduce a strict set of rules:

  • Maximum design speed of 20 kph: 20 kph is the limit for vehicles that don’t require wearing a helmet, which the regulation will not touch.
  • Compulsory insurance and insurance number plate. Despite the lower damage risk, the regulation requires so-called insurance number plates, as already obligatory for motor scooters up to 45 kph, which enable the authorities to identify the vehicle owner and the insurance company.
  • Driving licence requirements. Users will be required to hold at least a class AM driving license to use PLEVs.
  • Cycle path usage obligation. Where no cycle paths exist, roads may be used. Usage on sidewalks is prohibited.
  • The power limit of the electric motor is 500 watts. Self-balancing vehicles are allowed up to 1,200 watts.
  • "Minimum driving dynamics requirements" meaning vehicles shall be roadworthy, (able to brake, be controllable and most likely have a lighting system). Details to be decided.
  • The regulation applies to all Germany.

Sources:



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Electromobility and alternative fuels New and shared mobility services
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