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Austria is preparing for significant changes to its road safety regulations as new rules for e‑scooters come into force on 1 May, following amendments to the Road Traffic Act (StVO) passed in March. The updated framework introduces stricter safety requirements, including a helmet mandate for riders under 16 and compulsory turn signals mounted on the ends of the handlebars.
Turn Signals Become Mandatory — and Many Scooters Can’t Be Upgraded
One of the most consequential changes is the requirement that all e‑scooters must be equipped with functioning turn signals. According to the ÖAMTC, many models currently on the market cannot be retrofitted at all, while others require extensive and costly modifications. Despite this, non‑compliant scooters continue to be sold — in some cases at steep discounts.
“E‑scooters without turn signals may no longer be used from 1 May,” warned ÖAMTC traffic lawyer Matthias Wolf, adding that riders who ignore the new rules risk fines. The mobility club is pushing for transitional periods to ease the burden on consumers.
Austria is taking a comparatively strict approach. Although online retailers offer alternative lighting solutions — such as brake‑mounted indicators or helmets with built‑in lights — these will not be permitted. “The indicators must be attached to the ends of the handlebars,” Wolf emphasized. They must also meet specific technical requirements, including a defined number of flashes per minute.
While retrofit kits do exist, Wolf noted that installation is only feasible on some models. “For certain scooters, retrofitting simply doesn’t work,” he said. He also questioned the rigid placement requirement, pointing out that handlebar‑mounted lights are not always visible from behind. Allowing riders to choose the safest mounting position would be more practical, he argued, but the law does not provide such flexibility.
Consumer Concerns and Environmental Impact
Wolf criticized retailers for continuing to sell non‑upgradeable scooters without clearly informing buyers of the upcoming restrictions. “Anyone purchasing a scooter without indicators now — even at a bargain price — may no longer be able to use it in just two weeks,” he cautioned.
The ÖAMTC fears that many of these scooters could end up being improperly discarded. Proper disposal is costly, and Wolf worries that some owners may simply abandon their vehicles. “These scooters will end up in the Danube Canal,” he warned.
E‑Scooters Officially Classified as Vehicles
From 1 May, e‑scooters will be legally recognized as vehicles. In addition to turn signals and helmets for younger riders, they must be equipped with:
- a functioning brake
- a horn or bell
- white front reflectors
- red rear reflectors
- yellow side reflectors
During darkness or poor visibility, a white front light and red rear light are also mandatory.
The legal blood‑alcohol limit for e‑scooter riders will be lowered from 0.8 to 0.5 per mille, aligning it with the limit for most other vehicle categories.
- vienna.at/picture: pixabay.com
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