The innovations include a helmet requirement for drivers under 16 years old and mandatory indicators on the handlebars of the vehicles. However, many e-scooters cannot be retrofitted with indicators, and some models only with great effort. Nevertheless, even the non-retrofittable models are still being sold - sometimes at bargain prices, criticizes the ÖAMTC.

No E-Scooters Without Indicators

E-scooters without indicators may no longer be used from May 1st. Non-compliance with the legal changes will result in penalties. The ÖAMTC is trying to obtain transitional periods for the penalties, reported ÖAMTC traffic lawyer Matthias Wolf to the APA.

Austria is relatively strict in its implementation. For example, there are indicators available online that can be mounted on the brake at the back, and helmets with flashing lights are also available in stores. None of this is allowed. "The indicators must be attached to the ends of the handlebars," said Wolf. And they must have a certain impulse - that is, a specific number of flashes per minute.

There are indeed kits for retrofitting e-scooters, the traffic expert knows. For some models, this is actually feasible, for others only with great effort, and for some models, retrofitting simply does not work at all, he regretted. Wolf also has little understanding for the specified position of the indicator. For some people, the light on the handlebars is not visible from behind. He would therefore prefer if everyone could decide for themselves where to mount the indicator. However, this is not provided for in the law.

Wolf also criticizes the fact that non-retrofittable e-scooters continue to be sold in stores, even with discounts. The new legal situation is not sufficiently or only mentioned in the fine print, the lawyer complained. Anyone who now buys a scooter without indicators - even if cheaply - may not be able to use it in just over two weeks.

This could lead to e-scooters having to be disposed of at a cost, which in practice will probably often not happen, fears the ÖAMTC. Proper disposal would incur costs. "The scooters will then end up in the Danube Canal," Wolf suspects.

Alcohol Limit Decreases

From a legal perspective, e-scooters will be officially declared vehicles as of May 1st. Drivers up to 16 years old must wear a helmet from this date. In addition to the indicator at the end of each handlebar, e-scooters must be equipped with brakes, a horn or bell, white reflectors at the front, red reflectors at the back, and yellow reflectors on the sides. In darkness or poor visibility, an additional white front light and a red rear light are required. The alcohol limit for e-scooter drivers decreases from 0.8 to 0.5 per mille.

(APA/Red)

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