Electric Scooter Laws in Europe: What You Must Know (2026 Update)

Introduction

Electric scooters have exploded in popularity across Europe as a convenient, eco-friendly mode of urban transport. But navigating the legal landscape can be confusing: there is no single EU e-scooter law, and each country — and sometimes even each city — imposes its own rules about where and how you can ride. This guide breaks down the electric scooter laws in major European countries and explains what riders need to know in 2025.

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1. Overview: EU Framework and National Rules

While the European Union has made moves to standardize some aspects of micromobility, there is no fully unified legal framework for electric scooters. In 2024, an EU directive requires motor vehicles with certain specifications (speed over 25 km/h or weight over 25 kg) to carry insurance, but national laws still determine riding rules. CEC Allemagne

Most countries set a maximum permitted speed of 20–25 km/h and age restrictions that vary widely. euronews

🇦🇹 Austria

• 🧑 Minimum age: generally 12; riders under 12 may be allowed with a bike pass.

• 🚴 Maximum speed: 25 km/h.

• 🚨 Riding: permitted on cycle paths and roads.

• ⚠ Helmets: recommended but not mandatory.

• 🚗 Insurance: varies by local rules.
  (General overview from EU regulation status.)

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🇧🇪 Belgium

• 🧑 Minimum age: 16.

• 🛴 Maximum speed: 25 km/h.

• 🚴 Riding: allowed on cycle lanes and roads; not on pavements.

• 🪪 Equipment: lights, reflectors required.

• 🚕 Insurance: not compulsory for private scooters.

• 🚨 Local rules in cities like Brussels impose stricter speed limits (e.g., 20 km/h) and parking rules.
  (Example from Belgian regulation summary.)

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🇩🇰 Denmark

• 🧑 Minimum age: 15.

• 🛴 Max. speed allowed: 20 km/h; faster scooters are prohibited on public roads.

• 🪪 Helmet use: recommended but not legally mandatory.

• 🚴 Riding: on cycle paths or road where permitted; not on pavements; lights and reflectors required.

• 🚧 Insurance: third-party liability insurance required.
  (Follows Danish law details from regulatory overview.)

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🇩🇪 Germany

• 🧑 Minimum age: 14.

• 🛴 Max. speed: 20 km/h.

• 🪪 Equipment: two independent brakes, lights, reflectors, bell required.

• 🧾 Insurance: required with a license plate and annual sticker.

• 🚴 Riding: cycle paths and certain roads; pavements are prohibited.
  Detailed national rules from German regulation.

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🇮🇹 Italy

In late 2024, Italy updated its laws to tighten e-scooter safety:

• 🧑 Minimum age: 14.

• 🪪 Helmets: compulsory for all riders.

• 🛴 Max. speed: 20 km/h.

• 📄 Insurance: liability insurance mandatory with a license plate.

• 🚴 Riding: allowed on roads where bicycles are permitted; not on pavements or pedestrian zones.

• 🚨 Significant fines for non-compliance.
  (Italy’s updated legal framework.)

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🇱🇻 Latvia

• 🧑 Minimum age: 14.

• 🛴 Max. speed: 25 km/h.

• 🚴 Riding: cycle paths and roads where bicycles are permitted.

• 🪪 Helmet: recommended.

• 🚨 Tires, lights, reflectors required; some cities may impose further restrictions.
  (Latvia’s national rules from official sources.) 

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🇵🇹 Portugal

• 🛴 Max. speed permitted: 25 km/h.

• 🚴 Riding: cycle paths or roads; not on pavements.

• 🪪 Lights and reflectors mandatory in low light.

• 🧑 Age: no nationwide minimum age for ownership; rental requires 18+.
  (Follows Portuguese traffic regulation summary.) 

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🇪🇸 Spain

Spain’s rules vary by city and region:

• 🛴 Max. speed: often 25 km/h; smaller limits (e.g., 15 km/h) in some cities.

• 🧑 Age: recommended minimum ~16.

• 🪪 Equipment: lights and reflectors in low visibility; helmet requirement depends on city.

• 🚴 Pavements: generally prohibited.

• 🚧 Cities decide local rules; in Barcelona fines for riding on sidewalks can reach high levels. 

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Local and City-Level Exceptions

Some cities have stricter rules or bans entirely:

• Paris prohibited rental e-scooters after safety concerns. 

• Barcelona enforces high fines (up to €500) for sidewalk scooting or helmet avoidance.

• Other cities may limit speed or require special permits.

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Helmets, Insurance & Fines: What to Expect

Across Europe:

• 🚨 Helmets: mandatory in some countries and recommended in most.

• 📑 Liability insurance: required in a few countries (e.g., Germany, Denmark, sometimes France/UK) but often optional. 

• 💶 Fines vary widely depending on violation and locality.

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Summary: Key Takeaways for Riders

 

Regulations can change, so always verify local rules before riding.

🇪🇺 Legal Compliance & Rider Safety at Vepace

At Vepace, we strictly comply with European electric scooter regulations and place rider safety at the core of our commitment.

All electric scooters sold on Vepace are delivered speed-restricted, in accordance with local road regulations applicable in Europe. Many models are supplied with official DGT certification, ensuring compliance for use in regulated environments where certification is required.

To further promote rider safety, every electric scooter purchased on Vepace includes a free protective helmet, offered as standard. This initiative reflects our responsibility to encourage safe and lawful riding practices from day one.

We carefully select our scooters to meet legal requirements, safety standards, and real-world usability, allowing our customers to ride with confidence, transparency, and peace of mind.

👉 Explore compliant electric scooters on Vepace

🛴 Why Knowing the Law Matters

Understanding electric scooter laws isn’t just about compliance — it’s about safety, avoiding fines, insurance protection, and making informed purchase decisions. Legal requirements also influence which scooter model you choose and how you ride it.

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Final Recommendation

If you’re planning to ride an electric scooter in Europe — whether for commuting, travel, or leisure — be aware that each country has unique rules that affect legality, safety equipment, age requirements, and more. Always check official local regulations before hitting the road.