E-scooters in Kaufbeuren: What you need to know about the new rules!

E-scooters in Kaufbeuren: What you need to know about the new rules!

The topic of e-scooters is causing a stir in Kaufbeuren. At a meeting of the administrative committee, Markus Holste, the city council's representative for public order, discussed the frequent complaints from citizens. These mainly revolve around the fast-moving e-scooter drivers, multiple people traveling on one scooter, and the use of sidewalks by e-scooters, which annoys many pedestrians. The situation has become so serious that the police are carrying out more checks in order to increase road safety. It turned out that many e-scooter drivers often do not know the applicable traffic rules, which poses additional challenges.

But what are the rules for e-scooters and how can road safety be supported? According to the Small Electric Vehicle Ordinance (EKfV), e-scooters with electric drives not only require insurance, but may only be operated if they have a valid operating license. There is also now discussion about the fact that in the future e-scooters will only be allowed to drive where cycling is permitted. On sidewalks and in pedestrian zones they are only allowed to travel at walking speed, provided they are permitted by additional signs.

Regulations and fines

The planned new regulations aim to significantly improve road safety, as the number of accidents resulting in serious personal injuries has recently increased. E-scooter riders must make sure to use cycle paths and lanes if this is mandatory for cyclists. It is important to emphasize that only one person is allowed to ride an e-scooter at a time. Wearing a helmet is recommended but not mandatory and the minimum age limit is 14 years.

Alcohol limits for e-scooter drivers are identical to those for drivers. From 0.5 per mille it can be an administrative offense that is accompanied by high fines. For example, driving on the sidewalk can be punished with 15 to 30 euros, while driving without an insurance license plate is punished with 40 euros. Red light violations also result in a fine of between 60 and 180 euros, depending on the severity of the offense.

The security problem in focus

A central concern of the new regulations is victim protection in e-scooter accidents. At the moment, there is no strict liability for such accidents. This often means that those affected are stuck with their own costs, which creates further concerns among the population. The planned transition period of one year for municipalities to consider bans on pedestrian areas could potentially provide relief here.

The recent discussions and increasing safety concerns show that the city administration is required to provide better education for e-scooter drivers. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming months and what measures will ultimately be taken to improve coexistence on the road.

The discussion about e-scooters is far from over and all road users are called upon to adhere to the rules and contribute to safety in the cityscape. We will keep a close eye on further developments.