Tighter Scooter Controls as New Rules Take Effect on October 1

Starting October 1, tougher regulations for electric scooter riders will be enforced in the region. Police will intensify checks on riders, ensuring they meet certain safety requirements. Riders must be at least 15 years old and wear a helmet, with a fine of up to €200 for not doing so. Reflective equipment is mandatory when visibility is poor, and scooters must have front and rear lights, both operational during nighttime and low visibility periods.

The obligation to keep lights on during the day will come into effect on October 1, 2027. Riding while using headphones or a handheld mobile phone is still against the rules. Offenders can face penalties ranging from €100 to €500 under the city's traffic ordinance. Riders are required to have compulsory third-party liability insurance covering at least €6.45 million for personal injuries and €1.3 million for property damage.

Scooter registration with the DGT is also mandatory. Owners must ensure their scooters are certified, which includes displaying identifying information on a plate attached to the vehicle. Older scooters sold before January 22, 2024, will remain legal until January 22, 2027. Post this date, only certified models will be permitted.

In urban areas, scooters are restricted to specific routes like authorized cycle lanes and interurban cycle paths. In less urbanized regions, they will be confined to such segregated paths. The regulations also apply to cyclists; helmets will no longer be exempt on interurban roads, and professional cyclists must wear helmets and reflective vests consistently.

In cities, cyclists should ideally stay in the center of their lane, while motorists should maintain a minimum distance of five meters behind them in the same lane. These changes, reported by The Leader, aim to enhance road safety for both scooter riders and cyclists.