E-Scooter may not use sidewalks
E-Scooter are considered small electric vehicles and must use cycle paths or cycle lanes. Cycling is also permitted in cycle lanes. If there are no cycle paths, the roadway must be used. Sidewalks, pedestrian zones and green spaces are generally taboo. As e-Scootern are motor vehicles, sidewalks, pedestrian zones or open one-way streets that are open to cyclists do not automatically apply to electric scooters. Roads that are also open to e-Scooter are indicated by a corresponding additional sign. Which roads are suitable for this must be checked on a case-by-case basis.
From the age of 14
E-scooters have a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour and may be ridden without a driving license from the age of 14. Carrying people and objects on the footboard is prohibited, as is attaching them to other vehicles.
No obligation to wear a helmet, but...
Even though there is no legal obligation to wear a helmet, the city of Bonn appeals to riders of e-Scooter to wear a helmet. Even falls at low speed can result in serious head injuries!
No alcohol, no drugs and no cell phones while driving
The same strict rules apply to e-Scooter drivers who consume alcohol as to car drivers. Even low blood alcohol levels can result in fines of up to 1,500 euros as well as driving bans of up to three months, and driving licenses can even be revoked completely. There is an absolute ban on alcohol for novice drivers under the age of 21. The same applies to the consumption of drugs. If substances are detected in the blood, in addition to the high fines, driving bans of up to three months or the withdrawal of the driver's license are also the consequence. Cell phone use is also taboo on the e-Scooter .
No carriage on SWB Bus und Bahn trains
From March 1, 2024, SWB Bus and Rail passengers will no longer be allowed to take e-scooters on the trains for safety reasons. With this decision, the SWB subsidiary, together with numerous other transport companies, is implementing a recommendation from the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), as there have already been several battery fires.
