The debate about the safety of small electric vehicles is becoming more heated. In view of ongoing problems on urban roads, the German Road Safety Council (DVR) sees a need for legislation. According to the organization, the current accidents make it clear that many users lack knowledge of the rules and the necessary driving skills when using e-scooters. Anyone who does not have a regular driving license will therefore have to present a special e-scooter certificate in the future.
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The accident protectors imagine the design to be similar to that of the moped test certificate. This is intended to ensure that all drivers know the most important traffic rules and can control their vehicle safely, even in demanding situations. For young people, the training could be integrated directly into everyday school life.
Children and teenagers at risk
The DVR keeps an eye on younger road users in particular. E-scooters are particularly risky for children and teenagers. The association therefore advocates raising the legal minimum age from the current 14 to 15 years. Driving a motorized vehicle in traffic requires a level of maturity and experience that younger people often don’t yet have.
The association also sees a need for improvement in the technical equipment, especially for greater visibility. Many accidents occurred when crossing roads at dusk or in the dark because the narrow scooters could hardly be seen from the sides. Actively glowing yellow side marker lights for all new vehicles are intended to remedy this. For scooters that are already in traffic, the DVR makes it mandatory to retrofit reflectors on the handlebars.
Since many regulations are known but are deliberately ignored in everyday life, the DVR is also calling for more consistent enforcement of the law through more police presence and controls.
Politics is already taking action
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Measures that have already been adopted show that politicians have recognized the problem. From 2027, turn signals will be required for new vehicles. The fines for driving on sidewalks and unauthorized use in pairs have been increased. The DVR also positively assesses the planned inclusion of e-scooters in the strict liability of vehicle owners, which is intended to make it easier for those injured after accidents caused by recklessly parked scooters to access compensation. However, that alone is not enough.
The council emphasizes that the federal and state governments must continually develop the rules in order to improve road safety from a technical and regulatory perspective. Until then, the self-protection of travelers remains crucial. In addition to driving with foresight and following the rules, experts recommend wearing a helmet to reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
The DPR bases its demands on the latest balance sheet from the Federal Statistical Office. Accordingly, the number of e-scooter accidents resulting in personal injury rose significantly to 16,496 cases in 2025 – an increase of 38.1 percent compared to 2024. The increase in fatalities is particularly worrying: 38 people died, 40.7 percent more than in the previous year. There were around 2,200 children and young people under the age of 15 among those involved in accidents or unauthorized passengers. Four of them died and 211 were seriously injured.
(nen)
