Road-legal electric mopeds and seated e-scooters

Under EU law, electric scooters with a seat are classified as light motor vehicles of class L1e. In Germany, models up to 25 km/h count as a Mofa – you may ride them from the age of 15 with a Mofa test certificate. Models up to 45 km/h are mopeds and require a class AM driving licence, which is included in the class B car licence. For both classes you need an insurance plate and a suitable helmet.

Some models are offered in a 25 km/h and a 45 km/h variant. Check which version is entered in the COC document – that determines the licence and insurance you need.

The EU Certificate of Conformity (COC) proves that the vehicle corresponds to an approved type. Without it, you will not get an insurance plate. Make sure the COC document is included in the delivery and that the vehicle identification number matches the frame. You should be wary of listings that only say “road approval possible”.

Besides approval, these points determine everyday practicality and costs:

Electric mopeds are usually cheap to run: depending on the insurer and your age, the insurance plate costs a moderate annual premium, there is no vehicle tax for light motorcycles with an insurance plate in Germany, and electricity is considerably cheaper per kilometre than petrol. You should budget for wear parts such as tyres and brake pads and, in the long run, a replacement battery.

A 45 km/h electric moped is a real alternative to the car for journeys in town and on the outskirts of up to around 20 kilometres. It keeps up well with traffic, is quiet and cheap to run. If you mainly ride short distances and use trains or buses, a foldable e-scooter is the better choice.