E-scooter rules in Germany 2026: eKFV, insurance

In Germany, the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung, eKFV) governs the use of e-scooters on public roads. Here are the current rules for 2026.

Maximum speed: 20 km/h (by design)
Minimum age: 14 years
Helmet: Not mandatory (recommended)
Insurance: Mandatory — liability insurance sticker

Key rules

Topic	Rule
Maximum speed	20 km/h (by design)
Minimum age	14 years
Helmet	Not mandatory (recommended)
Insurance	Mandatory — liability insurance sticker (~€30–50/year). 2026 colour: black
Driving licence	Not required
Power	Max. 500 W rated power
Approval	ABE required (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, general operating permit)

Where can you ride?

Cycle path (mandatory where available)
Roadway (if there is no cycle path or cycle lane)
Pavements prohibited (unless signposted “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge frei”)
Pedestrian zones prohibited (unless signposted “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge frei”)
Motorways and expressways (Kraftfahrstraße) prohibited

Mandatory equipment

Front and rear lights
Reflectors
Two independent brakes
Bell
Turn signals: mandatory for new models placed on the market from 2027 (no retrofit required for existing models)

Good to know

Only e-scooters with a valid ABE may be used on public roads. Two people riding one scooter is prohibited. Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰ (0.0 ‰ under 21 and during the probationary period). Since 1 April 2026, newly approved models must have a battery complying with the EN 50604-1 standard. eKFV reform (approved by the Bundesrat on 19 December 2025): from 1 March 2027, fines (pavement, carrying a passenger) are aligned with those for cyclists and the cyclists’ green arrow also applies to e-scooters.