Road safety: E-scooter accidents are exploding in Vienna!

Road safety: E-scooter accidents are exploding in Vienna!

In Vienna it's currently happening on two wheels - on e-scooters, to be precise. The city is seeing an alarming increase in accidents involving these popular electric scooters. In order to increase road safety, the city has launched a comprehensive campaign under the motto “Vienna rolls safely”. In three pillars, e-scooter drivers should be made more aware and, above all, made aware of frequent violations that drive up the number of accidents.

The first pillar of the campaign focuses on prevention work. It's about clarifying the numerous violations that e-scooter drivers commit on the road. This includes improper use of sidewalks, driving against one-way streets or disregarding traffic lights. Riding several people on a scooter is also not permitted and endangers safety.

Repression and enlightenment

The second pillar includes repressive measures. E-scooter drivers are now treated the same as car drivers, especially if they are impaired by alcohol. The fines can range between 800 and 5,900 euros and also aim to check traffic reliability and, in the event of repeated violations, withdraw the driver's license. A key campaign in March showed that four e-scooter drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs had already been removed from service. This afternoon there were over 300 advertisements related to e-scooters.

The third pillar of the campaign focuses on raising awareness among parents and other road users. For this purpose, two information folders will be distributed that explain the safe use of e-scooters and aim to minimize the risk for all road users.

New regulations from 2025

The situation surrounding e-scooters is not only being addressed by the city of Vienna, but the Small Electric Vehicle Ordinance (EKfV) is also being revised at the national level. These legal changes are intended to help increase road safety and better integrate e-scooters into road traffic. From April 2025, e-scooters will be allowed to drive on cycle paths, while they will only be allowed to travel at walking speed in pedestrian zones and on sidewalks.

One of the biggest innovations is the permission to turn at red lights like cyclists under certain conditions. In addition, newly approved e-scooters must be equipped with indicators and separate front and rear brakes. The regulations aim to make the use of e-scooters clearer and safer.

Fines and requirements

Fines for violations, such as driving on sidewalks without permission or taking several people with you, will also be increased. For example, driving on sidewalks without permission can cost up to 55 euros. The minimum age for use remains 14 years, and the requirement to wear a helmet is still only a recommendation, but every driver must have liability insurance.

Alcohol limits for e-scooter drivers correspond to those for car drivers. If the blood alcohol level is over 0.5 to 1.09, there is a risk of a fine of around 500 euros and a driving ban, while above 1.1 per mille it is a criminal offense. The 0.0 alcohol limit applies to drivers under 21.

The upcoming regulations have the potential to significantly improve the safety situation for e-scooter users in Vienna, because the number of accidents resulting in serious personal injuries is a serious problem that can no longer be ignored. It remains to be hoped that the combination of awareness-raising, clear regulations and consistent penalties will soon lead to a noticeable improvement in road safety.

Further information about the upcoming regulations can be found at courier, ADAC and Scooter heroes.