Electric Scooter Road Rules Unveiled: A Guide to the 15 Largest EU Countries, USA, and UK

Poland

We can ride electric scooters on roads in Poland only if no bike lane is available and the speed limit is 30 km/h or less; otherwise, we must use the pavement cautiously. The maximum speed is capped at 20 km/h, and scooters require brakes, a bell, and lights.

Germany

In Germany, we’re permitted to use the road if no bike lane exists, with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Scooters must have two independent brakes, a bell, and lights, and insurance is mandatory.

France

We may ride on roads in France where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less when no bike lane is present, adhering to a 25 km/h limit. Scooters need brakes, a horn, and lights, and sidewalks are off-limits.

Italy

Italian law allows us to ride on roads with a 50 km/h limit or less if no bike lane is available, with a speed cap of 20 km/h. Scooters must feature brakes, a bell, lights, and turn signals.

Spain

We can use roads in Spain with a 30 km/h limit or lower when bike lanes aren’t an option, restricted to 25 km/h. Scooters require brakes, a bell, lights, and a circulation certificate.

United Kingdom

Currently, we can only ride rental scooters on roads (not motorways) or bike lanes in trial areas, with a maximum speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h). Private scooters are banned from public roads, and helmets are recommended.

Romania

In Romania, we’re allowed on roads with a 50 km/h limit if no bike lane exists, capped at 25 km/h. Scooters must have brakes, a bell, and lights, with no helmet requirement.

Netherlands

We can ride on roads in the Netherlands where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less if no bike lane is present, limited to 25 km/h. Scooters need brakes, a bell, lights, and European approval.

Belgium

Belgian rules permit us to ride on roads without bike lanes, with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Scooters must include brakes, a bell, and lights, and sidewalks are prohibited.

Greece

We can use roads in Greece with a 50 km/h limit or less if no bike lane is available, restricted to 25 km/h. Helmets are mandatory, alongside brakes, a bell, and lights.

Portugal

In Portugal, we’re allowed on roads with a 50 km/h limit or lower when bike lanes aren’t present, capped at 25 km/h. Scooters require brakes, a bell, and lights.

Sweden

Swedish law lets us ride on roads if no bike lane exists, with a 20 km/h speed limit. Scooters must have brakes, a bell, and lights, and helmets are required for those under 15.

Austria

We can ride on roads in Austria only if no bike lane is available, limited to 25 km/h. Scooters need brakes, reflectors, and lights, with helmets mandatory for those under 12.

Hungary

In Hungary, we may use roads with a 50 km/h limit or less when no bike lane is present, with no specific speed cap for scooters (typically 25 km/h). Brakes, a bell, and lights are required.

Czech Republic

Czech rules allow us to ride on roads with a 50 km/h limit or less if no bike lane exists, capped at 25 km/h. Scooters must have brakes, reflectors, and lights.

United States

In the USA, we can ride on roads in most states if bike lanes aren’t available, typically limited to 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h), varying by state. Requirements often include brakes, lights, and sometimes helmets, with rules differing widely by jurisdiction.

Electric scooter regulations reflect a balance between innovation and safety across these nations, tailored to local infrastructure and traffic conditions. Always check local ordinances, as cities within these countries may impose stricter rules. With these guidelines, we can navigate roads confidently and legally, embracing this eco-friendly transport option.