Since the Ordinance on Small Electric Vehicles (eKFV) came into force on 15.06.2019, e-scooters have also been on the roads in the Bonn police's area of responsibility. This still raises many questions about the new means of transportation.
In addition to private scooters, there are also vehicles from several rental providers on public roads in Bonn. The people of Bonn therefore also have the opportunity to rent several hundred electric scooters.
In 2022, Bonn police registered a total of 74 traffic accidents with injuries in which mini electric vehicles were involved.
Over and over again, police officers also found that more than one person was being transported on the scooter. The use of the wrong traffic area has also repeatedly been the reason for a traffic didactic discussion in the past.
"A large number of e-scooter riders have accidents when riding alone. The influence of alcohol and drugs plays a significant role in this. During the checks we carry out, we also repeatedly find e-scooter riders on the road without valid insurance cover. For the safety of all road users, I would therefore like to emphasize once again that e-scooters should not be used on the road under the influence of alcohol or without insurance cover. The same alcohol and drug limits apply as for car drivers. Furthermore, the scooters may not be used on sidewalks and may only be ridden alone," warns Police Councillor Florian Seemann (Head of the Traffic Directorate).
An e-scooter is not a toy scooter, but generally a motor vehicle subject to compulsory insurance. The following rules therefore apply:
No obligation to wear a helmet
As with bicycles, helmets are not compulsory for e-scooters. BUT: Even falls at low speed can result in serious head injuries! We strongly recommend wearing a helmet when riding an e-scooter to avoid head injuries.
No driving license
The rider must be at least 14 years old. A driving license is not required.
Maximum speed max. 20 km/h
The maximum permitted speed for micro electric vehicles is 20 km/h. Anyone who technically modifies their mini electric vehicle so that it travels faster than 20 km/h must expect administrative or criminal proceedings.
No alcohol
Attention: After one or two beers, you could lose your driver's license. The same alcohol limits apply to e-scooters as for car drivers.
Promille limits for motor vehicles:
- A person who drives a motor vehicle with 0.5 - 1.09 per mille and does not display any alcohol-related conspicuousness is committing an administrative offense and will receive a fine. As a rule, this means: 500 euros, 1 month driving ban and 2 points in Flensburg. After the driving ban expires, the driver's license is returned.
- It is always a criminal offense if the driver drives despite a blood alcohol concentration of 1.1 per mille or more. Signs of impairment are not relevant.
- But even with lower blood alcohol levels from around 0.3 per mille, it is no longer just an administrative offense, but a criminal offense if typical alcohol-related impairment symptoms (serpentine driving, alcohol-related accident) have been detected. In these cases, a fine may be imposed and repeat offenders may even face a prison sentence. The driver's license will be revoked for at least six months. If an accident is caused due to alcohol, it is at least 12 months.
- There is an absolute alcohol ban for novice drivers and young drivers. Anyone under the age of 21 or in the probationary period who drives under the influence of alcohol must pay a fine of 250 euros and receive one point in Flensburg. In addition, an advanced training seminar is imposed and the probationary period is extended from two to four years.
Sidewalk is taboo
Micro electric vehicles must use the cycle path. If there is no cycle path, they must use the roadway; the sidewalk is off-limits. The vehicles may only be used by one person. E-scooters may not be ridden side by side, and anyone turning with the vehicle must give hand signals, as when riding a bicycle. When parking, make sure that nobody is obstructed. Observe information from cities and providers about parking facilities.
Cell phone use
As with driving a car, this also applies to e-scooters: Hands off your cell phone or smartphone!
Insurance and registration
Insurance is compulsory for small electric vehicles and they must have an operating license! There is a risk of misdemeanor or even criminal proceedings.
