Rules for city runabouts

A young woman rides an e-scooter on Herzogswall in Recklinghausen.
Rules for city runabouts
E-scooters have been permitted on German roads since mid-June 2019. In cities in particular, where companies offer rental scooters, there are heated debates about scooters being parked incorrectly and blocking sidewalks or being dumped in parks and rivers, about reckless drivers and accident risks - but also about the actual benefits for mobility, traffic and the climate.

In 2023, 76 e-scooter riders suffered injuries in accidents within the jurisdiction of Recklinghausen Police Headquarters, 8 fewer than in the previous year.

There are repeated complaints about misconduct on the part of drivers and scooters parked in a way that is dangerous or at least disruptive to traffic. Apparently, some people are unaware of the rules that apply when riding e-scooters. For example, the obligation to use cycle paths. Also, not everyone is aware that only one person is allowed to ride the scooter at a time. Also important to know: The same alcohol limits apply to e-scooter users as for car drivers.

Rights and obligations when using e-scooters are regulated by the Electric Small Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV).

The Recklinghausen police have compiled important rules and safety tips in a flyer. The flyer is available to download as a PDF document on this page.

Your police in the Recklinghausen and Bottrop district wish you a safe journey at all times.

Translated with DeepL.com (API Version)
In urgent cases: Police emergency number 110