Police check e-scooter drivers: drug suspicion in Neustadt!

Police check e-scooter drivers: drug suspicion in Neustadt!

On the night of October 27, 2025, a 30-year-old man from Neustadt an der Weinstrasse was arrested for violating the Narcotics Act. The incident occurred shortly after one o'clock on Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse when the driver was riding an unlit e-scooter. He was on his way home from a gas station and the police noticed his unusual driving behavior. During the traffic stop, it quickly became clear that the man was apparently under the influence of narcotics, as a preliminary test reacted positively to amphetamine. A blood sample was taken for further analysis.

A check of the vehicle documents revealed that the man's e-scooter was not only unlit, but also had other defects. The vehicle was therefore confiscated for confiscation and disposal. It was another incident in a series of similar offenses that had already been registered against the man in the past. The police initiated criminal and administrative offense proceedings and the responsible driving license office was immediately informed.

The rules around e-scooters

E-scooters, like the scooter in question, are now part of the cityscape and are very popular. However, these electrically powered scooters are subject to strict legal regulations that are intended to increase road safety. According to the ADAC, all e-scooters must be equipped with an operating license and are only allowed to ride on cycle paths and certain areas approved for cyclists. Driving on sidewalks is only permitted at walking speed if appropriate additional signs are present.

Another problem that arises from the use of these vehicles is victim protection in the event of an accident. There is currently no statutory strict liability, which means that injured parties are often left with their own costs. In addition, e-scooter drivers must adhere to the same alcohol limits as drivers: from 0.5 per mille it becomes expensive, and from 1.1 per mille there is a risk of criminal proceedings being initiated. The strict 0.0 alcohol limit applies to young drivers.

E-scooters and road safety

In view of the increasing number of accidents with serious personal injuries, planned new regulations for e-scooters are announced. Among other things, these could require that e-scooters in the future be equipped with indicators and have separate front and rear brakes. Such improved equipment would further increase road safety and help reduce the number of injured cyclists and pedestrians.

It remains to be seen how and when these new regulations will come into force. A transition period of one year is planned for municipalities to ensure that the current regulations can be reviewed. One thing is clear: road safety has the highest priority, especially when it comes to the use of private and shared e-scooters.

Overall, the incident in Neustadt shows that the regulations for e-scooter drivers in Germany have to stand the test of time and that a cultivated approach to these trendy vehicles also requires responsibility towards yourself and others in traffic. Therefore, every e-scooter driver is well advised to always drive with foresight and observe the applicable rules.