They are also becoming increasingly common on the roads in the Mettmann district: E-scooters are enjoying great popularity. But what do you need to be aware of when using this "small electric vehicle"? What regulations apply? What is allowed - and what is not? The Mettmann district police authority has compiled the most important information on the use of e-scooters and dispels some myths.
1. Myth: I can always ride on the sidewalk with my e-scooter.
This is false: As a general rule, small electric vehicles must use cycle traffic areas. This means that e-scooter users must use cycle paths if they are available. However, if there is no structurally designed cycle path, e-scooters may also be used on the carriageway and, out of town, on the hard shoulder.
Important: Riding an e-scooter on footpaths and in pedestrian zones is only permitted if this is expressly permitted by special signage for small electric vehicles. Incidentally, if there is no such sign, it is not permitted to use an e-scooter on footpaths and in pedestrian zones even with the motor switched off! So if you want to get from A to B through a pedestrian zone on an e-scooter, you have to get off and push.
2nd myth: Children are also allowed to ride e-scooters
No. There is no driving license requirement and there is also no obligation to present a moped test certificate. In principle, anyone can ride an e-scooter as long as they have reached the minimum age of 14 years.
3. Myth: Only rented scooters must be insured.
No. All small electric vehicles are motor vehicles and therefore subject to insurance. Due to their small dimensions and the special features of their construction, a small insurance sticker has even been introduced for these vehicles. This applies to rental vehicles as well as private vehicles.
4. Myth: I can still drive an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol if I am no longer allowed to drive a car or bicycle.
No. Leaving the car behind after the "wet and merry" party and taking the e-scooter home instead? That's not a good idea: the 0.5 per mille limit also applies to e-scooters in accordance with Section 24a of the Road Traffic Act. However, if you are under the influence of alcohol and no longer able to drive safely, you are already liable to prosecution from 0.3 per mille. For people under the age of 21 and new drivers, the zero alcohol limit applies anyway. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines of up to 500 euros, a one-month driving ban and two points in Flensburg.
5th myth: Since two people can stand on the running board, you can also ride with two people
No. It is forbidden to carry other people on the e-scooter. It is also forbidden to transport objects such as parcels or shopping baskets on the footboard. In addition, drivers of e-scooters are subject to the same general road traffic regulations as everyone else - in particular the requirement to show consideration at all times.
6th myth: My e-scooter can do more than 20 km/h. As I never ride faster than the speed limit, I am allowed to use it on the road.
No. Such vehicles are not permitted on public roads. Nor are so-called "hoverboards" or "monowheels" allowed to be used on public roads.
7th myth: As a car driver, I am never allowed to overtake e-scooters
No. You are allowed to overtake e-scooter riders, but the same applies as for cyclists: please keep a minimum distance of 1.50 meters in urban areas and 2 meters outside urban areas.