Electric Scooter Laws in Europe: What Every Rider Needs to Know

As electric scooters surge in popularity across European cities, knowing the local laws is no longer optional—it's essential. While some countries welcome scooters as a modern solution to urban congestion, others enforce strict rules or outright bans. If you're a rider (or a seller like GTXR) operating across borders, here's exactly what you need to know.

 1. General EU-Wide Framework

There is no unified EU regulation for electric scooters. Each country sets its own rules on:

 Legal age

 Speed limits

 Helmet use

 Road access (bike lanes, roads, sidewalks)

 Insurance requirements

 Registration and homologation

So, before you ride across a border—check local law.

 2. Country-by-Country Breakdown

 France: Max speed 25 km/h. No sidewalk riding. Minimum age 14. Helmet recommended for adults, mandatory under 12. Civil liability insurance required.

 Germany: Max speed 20 km/h. Riders must be at least 14 years old. E-scooters must be insured and registered. No helmets required but recommended.

 Spain: Max speed 25 km/h. Helmet not mandatory nationally but required in cities like Barcelona. No sidewalk riding. Age minimum: 14. Civil liability insurance highly recommended.

 Italy: Max speed 20–25 km/h. Helmet mandatory under age 18. No sidewalks. Front and rear lights required. Scooter must have a bell and brakes.

 Netherlands: Highly restricted. Most electric scooters are illegal on public roads unless they are approved as mopeds and registered.

 3. Common Legal Requirements

 Speed caps: Usually 20–25 km/h

 Minimum rider age: Typically 14–16 years

 Lighting and reflectors: Required in most countries

 No passengers: Almost universally prohibited

 Sidewalks: Usually off-limits

 Helmet: Often recommended; sometimes required

 4. Consequences of Breaking the Law

Depending on the country, violations can result in:

 Fines from €100 to €1,000

 Scooter confiscation

 Points on your driving license (in countries like Germany)

 Civil liability in case of accident

 5. GTXR Scooters Are Europe-Ready

GTXR designs its scooters with European compliance in mind:

 Speed-limited to 25 km/h

 Bright front and rear LED lights

 Dual braking systems

 Foldable for public transport

 Reflective elements for night visibility

We also help customers understand how to insure and register their scooter where required.