Electric scooters are one of the newest means of transportation in the world. In recent years, they have become extremely popular. Let’s look over the electric scooter laws in Europe we managed to gather.
There are so many electric scooter brands that sell private scooters and so many electric scooter rental companies that offer scooters on demand.
Read also: How to Choose an Electric Scooter
The wide spread of electric scooters and the frequent traffic accidents that happen with them have caused many countries to review the rules. As a result, the requirements for the vehicle and the rider have changed over time.
- Electric Scooter Law in Different EU Countries
- Is the Helmet Mandatory in Europe When Riding an E-Scooter?
- In Which European Country is the Helmet Mandatory While Riding an E-Scooter?
- Is There a Minimum Age to Ride an E-Scooter in Europe?
- What is the Maximum Permitted Speed of an Electric Scooter in Europe?
- What is the Maximum Permitted Motor Power of an E-Scooter in Europe?
- Is it Allowed to Carry a Passenger on an Electric Scooter in European Countries?
- More interesting points about electric scooter laws in Europe
- Final Words
Electric Scooter Law in Different EU Countries
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Is the Helmet Mandatory in Europe When Riding an E-Scooter?
In most European countries, the use of helmets while riding an electric scooter is not regulated. However, in some countries wearing a helmet is mandatory for everyone or until some age.
In Which European Country is the Helmet Mandatory While Riding an E-Scooter?
In Greece and in Spain, everyone must wear a helmet while riding an electric scooter. But in Italy and Bulgaria, everyone who is underaged must wear a helmet if they want to ride an e-scooter.
Norway, Sweden. Estonia, Croatia, and Romania have established a rule that those under 15-16 must wear a helmet if riding an e-scooter.
Fun Fact: In the United Kingdom, a helmet is not mandatory when riding an electric scooter.
Is There a Minimum Age to Ride an E-Scooter in Europe?
Most European countries have established a minimum age for riding an electric scooter.
The most strict countries are Bulgaria, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, and Ireland. In these countries, the rider of an electric scooter must be at least 16 years of age.
On the other hand, in Estonia and Poland, everyone over 10 years of age is allowed to ride electric scooters.
The rest of the countries fall between those two age limits. Check the table above.
What is the Maximum Permitted Speed of an Electric Scooter in Europe?
The maximum permitted speed of an electric scooter in Europe is 20 or 25 km/h.
While in most European countries it is allowed to ride an e-scooter at the speed of 25 km/h, there are some countries where the speed limit is just 20 km/h. These countries are:
- Poland
- Norway
- Germany
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Switzerland
What is the Maximum Permitted Motor Power of an E-Scooter in Europe?
Not all European countries have set the rule for electric scooter motor power.
In Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Finland, the maximum motor power of an electric scooter is 1,000 watts. It’s the same wattage that has allowed for electric scooters in the United States.
The most conservative countries in this area are Sweden, Croatia, and Ireland. The scooters in these countries can have only 250W motors.
In the rest of the countries, the given limit falls between these two.
Is it Allowed to Carry a Passenger on an Electric Scooter in European Countries?
It is not allowed to carry a passenger when riding an electric scooter in Europe. However, it’s one of the most common e-scooter riding mistakes.
Although every country in Europe has not regulated it, there is no country that says it is allowed. And there are many countries that are very strict on this matter and have stated in the local laws, that only one person is allowed to ride an electric scooter at once.
More interesting points about electric scooter laws in Europe
Related: Can You Get a DUI On an Electric Scooter?
Final Words
We believe that electric scooters are here to stay. They provide great assistance to pedestrians and help to save a lot of time.
On the other hand, electric scooters cause lots of problems for people who don’t use them. There are issues with the parking of shared electric scooters, riding under the influence of alcohol, riding too fast, and so on.
Prohibiting all electric scooters is not a solution. Establishing correct rules and laws that regulate the use of e-scooters, is the right direction to go. Since electric scooters are relatively new vehicles on our streets, it takes some time to implement all the rules.
Please let us know in the comments if the provided info is outdated or if you have some interesting points of law in your country. Let’s keep this article updated together.
Table of Electric Scooter Laws in Europe
| Country | Min Age | Helmet (until age) | Speed (km/h) | Motor Power (watts) | Passenger |
| Austria | 12 | 25 | 600 | ||
| Belgium | 16 | 25 | no | ||
| Bulgaria | 16 | 18 | 25 | no | |
| Croatia | 12 | 16 | 25 | 250 | |
| Czech Republic | 25 | 1000 | |||
| Denmark | 15 | 20 | 500 | no | |
| Estonia | 10 | 16 | 25 | 1000 | no |
| Finland | 25 | 1000 | no | ||
| France | 12 | 20-25 | no | ||
| Germany | 14 | 20 | 500 | no | |
| Greece | Yes | 25 | |||
| Ireland | 16 | 25 | 250 | no | |
| Italy | 14 | 18 | 25 | 500 | no |
| Latvia | 14 | 25 | no | ||
| Lithuania | 25 | 1000 | no | ||
| Luxembourg | 13 | 25 | 500 | ||
| Netherlands | 16 | 25 | |||
| Norway | 12 | 15 | 20 | ||
| Poland | 10 | 20 | no | ||
| Romania | 14 | 16 | 25 | ||
| Spain | 16 | Yes | 25 | no | |
| Sweden | 15 | 15 | 20 | 250 | no |
| Switzerland | 20 | 500 | |||
| United Kingdom | 14 | No | 25 | 500 | no |
