Nowadays, more and more people in Europe are choosing electric scooters as a means of transportation for short distance. The electric scooter is small, foldable and portable, so people can ride it on walkway, small pathway and even on driveway. But riding an electric scooter that is powered by electricity can be dangerous because of the high speed and other potential safety hazard.
In order to fill the legal gap and protect the safety of drivers and pedestrians, the special regulations for small electric vehicles (eKFV) formulated by the German Federal Motor Transport Agency KBA have come into effect on June 15th, 2019. eKFV integrates the terms of MobHV, adds terms about seat-less electric scooters and self-balancing vehicles, and will replace MobHV after the formal implementation. After the eKFV takes effect, seat-less electric scooters and self-balancing vehicles must obtain ABE certification to ensure that the vehicles can be registered and the registered vehicles can drive normally on the highways in Germany.
Unlike general product certification, e-Scooter ABE certification is a vehicle type certification. The certification and regulatory agency is the German Federal Motor Transport Authority KBA. Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous factory audit and product testing before they can obtain an ABE certificate.
Germany riders can gain a license after application here if they ensure that the small vehicles have fitted front lights, two brakes and side reflectors, along with a bell to signal other drivers and pedestrians of your approach. The speed limit for electric scooters is 20 km/h on bike lanes or paths, by riders aged 14 and up. Children aged 12 and older are allowed on bike paths, lanes, and sidewalks at a maximum speed of 12 km/h.
Can you ride electric scooter on sidewalk in Germany?
Riding an e-scooter on the pavement, in pedestrian-only zones, or in one-way streets against the direction of traffic is also not allowed and can land you a fine of between €15 and €30. However, e-scooters are allowed on one-way or no-entry roads which have a “cyclists free” sign.
Are e-scooters allowed on trains in Germany?
As a rule, the limit lies between 300 to 350 kg. In the trains of the Vias, the maximum load capacity of the boarding aid is 250 kg. If the dimensions of the e-scooter exceed 120 x 70 cm (L x W), carriage may be refused.
Do you need a license plate for a scooter in Germany?
The license plate for an electric scooter in Germany is a sticker measuring about 6,5 x 5,3 cm. It must be affixed in a visible place. From March 1, 2023, the color of the license plate will be black. The license plate is sent by the insurance company after the conclusion of the contract.
What is the fine for electric scooters in Germany?
There is a fine of €15 up to €120 for endangering. e-scooters must ride on cycle paths, cycle lanes and protective lanes.
There are so many electric scooters at the market, but only few electric scooters passed ABE certification that is legal to ride in Germany. The following 2 models are our recommendations.
LEQISMART A11 electric scooter
The A11 electric scooter was released in 2023, it is a new e-scooter from LEQISMART, so maybe nobody have heard about it before. No worries, we will talk to you some details of it, so you can have a brief understanding for the scooter.
The LEQISMART A11 electric scooter is ABE certificated, exclusively for Germany market, and it is stock in Frankfurt city in Germany. It is equipped with 10” large vacuum puncture-proof tires, 350W powerful brushless motor on rear wheel, supports 3 riding modes: Economy (km/h), Normal (15km/h) and Fast (20km/h). The 20km/h max speed is fully compliant with German laws and regulations. And you can install the license plate at the back of the scooter. The e-scooter carries a 36V, 7.8Ah battery, which will have a range of 30km and can load up to 100kg loading. It has bright LED headlight, taillight and ring bell, supports APP control function, which will add more fun to the riders when riding. It is only $499.99 on the website and with free shipping. It will be a good option of the small electric scooter if you live in Germany.
YIMI 8.3 Electric Scooter
The YIMI 8.3 electric scooter is an electric tricycle, it has two 8.5” front wheels and one 8.0” rear wheel. It is also ABE certificated. The electric scooter also has 350W motor, 7.8Ah battery and about 30km range per charge. Besides, it supports 2 speed modes, the max speed is 25km/h, you can control the speed through the accelerator throttle and brake. It adopts drum brake and electronic brake together, and front LED lights, taillight, reflectors to offer a safer riding experience. It has a more smooth riding.
If you have any question about the ABE electric scooters in Germany, welcome to leave a comment below.