Traffic Safety Experts: Age Limit 15 and License Required for E-Scooters - Renowned Researcher Calls for Stricter E-scooter Rules in Germany
A renowned accident researcher has called for stricter regulations on electric scooters in Germany, citing a significant rise in accidents and fatalities. Siegfried Brockmann proposed a driver's license requirement and a minimum age of 15 to ride electric scooters, as current rules allow 14-year-olds to ride without any proof of traffic knowledge.
Brockmann's proposals come after a study of over 10,000 accidents involving electric scooters in ten federal states between 2021 and 2024. The study revealed alarming increases in accident, injury, and fatality numbers. In 2024 alone, the number of electric scooter accidents nationwide surged by more than a quarter compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 12,000, with 27 fatalities.
Alcohol was found to play a significant role in single-vehicle electric scooter accidents. To tackle this, Brockmann suggests stricter police controls and technical improvements to electric scooters, such as increasing wheel size for better stability. He also proposes requiring at least a moped test certificate or an AM motorcycle license to operate electric scooters, which would automatically raise the age limit to 15. However, there is no sufficient data basis for the often-called-for helmet requirement on electric scooters.
Brockmann's proposals aim to enhance safety on German roads. If implemented, these stricter regulations could potentially reduce the number of electric scooter accidents and save lives. The debate on safer electric scooter use continues, with the need for balanced regulations that protect both riders and other road users.
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