Road-legal e-scooters compared

Under German law, e-scooters are classed as small electric vehicles (Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge) and are governed by the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV). To ride on public roads, a scooter needs a general operating permit (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, ABE) or an individual operating permit. The manufacturer documents this with a type plate on the vehicle that shows, among other things, the ABE number. On top of that you need an insurance plate (Versicherungskennzeichen), which you take out with a motor insurer for one year – it is always valid until the end of February.

The eKFV sets technical limits: the design top speed must be between 6 and 20 km/h, continuous rated power may not exceed 500 W, and the scooter must have a handlebar or grab bar. Two independent brakes, lights, side reflectors and a bell are mandatory.

On marketplaces the term “road-legal” (Straßenzulassung) is used rather loosely. So don’t rely on the listing title alone – check the details.

The eKFV amendment published in February 2026 brings two important changes. First, newly manufactured small electric vehicles must have turn indicators from 2027. Scooters that are already approved are grandfathered and do not need to be retrofitted. Second, from 1 March 2027 the traffic rules will be brought more closely in line with those for cyclists: e-scooters will then be allowed, for example, to use the green filter arrow for cyclists, ride side by side in certain situations and use areas marked with the additional sign “cyclists permitted” (Radverkehr frei).

If you are buying now, you can therefore choose a model with indicators – which is also safer in everyday riding, because you keep both hands on the handlebar when turning.

The most expensive mistake is a scooter without valid approval. You would be riding without insurance cover – a criminal offence in Germany – and after an accident you are personally liable. Aftermarket tuning chips that remove the 20 km/h limit are just as problematic: they void the operating permit. And finally, many people underestimate the weight. An ABE scooter with a large battery can easily weigh 20 kg or more – bear that in mind if you have to carry it onto the train or up to the fourth floor every day.