• The legislation regarding electric scooters on both sides of the Franco-German border is different.

  • The European Union has not yet harmonized the rules and "it can get stuck at the border", warns the European Consumer Center.

  • Equipment, speed, authorization, insurance, vignette, ultimately amounts to prohibiting crossing the Rhine with a "French" scooter.

Is it really a good idea to go for a little walk across the Rhine, in Germany, perched on your electric scooter? While this is certainly a good way to avoid traffic jams, to cut through the air with your face blowing in the wind, for a short run or just to get to work, it can end up costing you dearly.

Unless you intend to translate the phrase "take a plum" into Goethe's language, it is best to be aware of the legislation regarding electric scooters on both sides of the border.

Because the European Union has not yet harmonized the rules concerning them.

"Each country decides on its own rules and it can get stuck at the border," warns the European Consumer Center, which has chosen to communicate on the issue as it arises.

Especially since the upcoming establishment of the ZFE throughout the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg is near.

Stricter rules in Germany than in France

So without wanting to disappoint you, know that it is absolutely forbidden to ride with your French mount in Germany. And the police are watching. Cautious, Germany has set stricter rules. First of all, the scooter must not exceed 20 km / h against 25 km / h in France. It must also be equipped with two independent braking devices, an audible warning device, lights and reflective strips. But above all, the German scooter manufacturer must obtain an authorization from the federal authority in charge of traffic safety, the “Kraftfahrtbundesamt” (KBA). Without this authorization, no sesame. Moreover, the European Center of Consumption recommends to verify, if you buy an electric scooter in Germany, that the manufacturer has indeed obtained this authorization from the KBA.

Our scooter file

If, as in France, it is not compulsory to have a license to circulate on an electric scooter, on the other hand, it is necessary to be over 14 years old, while French children can do so from the age of 12.

More surprisingly, the helmet is not compulsory in Germany but it is necessary to be covered by an automobile liability insurance "Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung".

No (or few) French scooters can cross the border

If, as in France, you have to take the cycle paths or, failing that, the road, you must under no circumstances drive on the sidewalk even with the engine off. But before that you will have to cross the border and this is prohibited underlines the European Consumer Center because it must meet German manufacturing standards. Unless, very motivated and wealthy (it can cost several hundred euros), you have obtained a certificate of conformity from a German technical control center. In addition, your scooter must be fitted with a “Versicherungsplakette” sticker on the mudguard, which certifies that it is insured in Germany. And this is where it complicates even more, because with a residence in France, it is not possible to insure in Germany ...

Finally, if you decide to override and drive "à la française" with an unauthorized model, you risk a fine of 70 euros, and without the 40 euros sticker.

If you use a sidewalk or other unauthorized area, you risk a fine of 15 euros.

If the amount of fines is generally lower in Germany than in France, this can still spoil the fun a little.

Did you see ?

Sète: Arrested on the handlebars of his electric scooter… at 98 km / h

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