E-scooter drivers without insurance protection and under drugs with the police

E-scooter drivers without insurance protection and under drugs with the police

Linz am Rhein -An unusual incident occurred on August 18, 2024 in Linz am Rhein when a 39-year-old man drove to the police inspection with his e-scooter. The driver wanted to pick up an object that had recently been secured due to a disturbance. But what initially looked like a harmless visit to the police quickly developed into a serious situation when the officers made an unexpected discovery.

During the conversation with the police officer, the man's e-scooter fell. It turned out that the necessary insurance license plate was missing. This led to further investigations that showed that there was no insurance cover for the e-scooter. Such violations are not only illegal, they also make other road users potentially sacrifice. The driver, who was in a legally questionable situation, also revealed further questionable information: he had smoked a joint the day before.

positive drug tests and consequences

The police officers carried out a urine test that proved to be positive for cannabis and amphetamine. This is a worrying result, especially in the context of public transport. E-scooters are a popular means of transportation in many cities, and the safety of all road users is in the top priority. In this case, the 39-year-old had violated both transport and drug regulations.

Now the man is waiting for the results of the blood tests, and the responsible authorities will check which specific legal steps are initiated against him. It can be assumed that both a criminal and an administrative offense procedure will come to him. This could have serious financial and legal consequences for the driver.

The importance of insurance coverage and security

The incident throws a light on the importance of familiarizing yourself with the legal requirements when driving e-scooters. In Germany, it is required by law that such vehicles must be equipped with a corresponding insurance in order to be able to drive in road traffic. Protecting the public and minimizing the risk of accidents are of crucial importance. Driving without insurance coverage is not only a violation of the law, but also endangers other road users.

the use of an e-scooter also requires responsibility. Every driver should find out about the applicable rules in advance. In recent years, the use of e-scooters has increased significantly, and sensitization to the proper handling can help reduce the number of accidents and to improve safety on the streets. The primary goal of the traffic laws is to protect life and minimize the risk of injuries.

The police made it clear that it will not hesitate to act against violations. The safety of all road users should come first. The emergency services appeal to all e-scooter drivers to adhere to the legal provisions and to act consciously. At a time when traffic is increasingly shaped by e-scooters, it is crucial to appreciate your own responsibility and to respect the laws.

relevant legal provisions for e-scooter

E-scooters have been approved in road traffic in Germany since June 15, 2019, but they are subject to strict regulations. According to the electrical cleaning vehicle regulation (EKFV), e-scooters must wear an insurance license plate in order to be used in public space. The lack of such a license plate, as reported in the case of the 39-year-old driver, represents an administrative offense that can be punished with a fine.

In addition, e-scooters are limited at a top speed of 20 km/h and a maximum output of 600 watts. It is also required by law that the drivers must be at least 14 years old and are not allowed to drive under the influence of alcohol or the influence of drugs. The relevant legal framework should help increase safety in road traffic and avoid accidents. Information on the exact requirements can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

security risks and accidents related to e-scooters

The approval of e-scooters has led to an increase in use and thus also increased security risks in German cities. Statistics show that the number of accidents with e-scooters has increased since their introduction. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, there were over 3,000 accidents in 2022 in which e-scooters were involved, with many of these accidents due to driving errors, insufficient safety equipment or alcohol and drug use.

An example of the dangers was a survey of 2021, which showed that almost 50 percent of e-scooter drivers provide that they have already been unsure or even overthrown, which supports the claim that security measures and education are of great importance. It is recommended to wear helmets and to find out about the applicable regulations before driving to minimize the risk of injuries.

social perception of e-scooters

The social perception of e-scooters is ambiguous. While many appreciate the advantages such as flexibility and environmental friendliness, there are also concerns about the security and responsible behavior of the users. A survey by the Institute for Mobility Research showed that about 60 percent of those surveyed believe that e-scooters contribute to an increased danger in road traffic.

In addition, residents in urban areas often comment negatively about the storage of e-scooters on sidewalks, which can limit accessibility. This has caused some cities to introduce stricter regulations for the storage and use of e-scooters. These debates are related to the general discussion about sustainable mobility and the best approach to effectively manage urban traffic.