The e-scooter makes it easy to get from A to B - and is now available in almost every major city in Germany. Scooters are particularly popular at night and with party people. This begs the question: Is it legal to ride an e-scooter while drunk? And what is the drink-driving limit for e-scooters? You will find answers to these questions in this guide.
- The same blood alcohol limit applies to e-scooters as for car drivers.
- From a blood alcohol level of 1.1 per mille, the borderline between an administrative offence and a criminal offence is crossed.
- Anyone driving an e-scooter while drunk can expect a fine of €250 to €1500.
- We at faire-Regulierung will be happy to help you with any questions you may have and will take care of your accident settlement 100% free of charge.
What are the requirements for being allowed to ride an e-scooter in Germany?
The e-scooter looks like a normal scooter on the outside, but unlike a normal scooter it has an electric drive. It is therefore categorised as a "small electric vehicle". You must therefore be at least 14 years old to ride it - you do not need a driving licence. Nevertheless, all traffic regulations that apply to car drivers also apply to e-scooters. For example, e-scooter drivers must give a hand signal when turning and stop at red traffic lights.
E-scooters may be ridden on the cycle path and, if there is none, only on the normal carriageway.
How many per mille are you allowed to drive an e-scooter?
In Germany, the same blood alcohol limit applies to e-scooters as to other motor vehicles. How many per mille are permitted when driving an e-scooter? And when is driving an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol a criminal offence?
Good to knowAlcohol consumption significantly reduces the ability to concentrate and react, meaning that drunk drivers are often unable to react in time in dangerous situations. We generally recommend that you avoid alcohol completely if you are planning to actively participate in road traffic. Due to the limited ability to concentrate and react under the influence of alcohol, 0.49 per mille is also the maximum limit for driving an e-scooter. This is the 0.5 per mille limit that every car driver knows. If you exceed an alcohol level of 0.49 per mille, you are committing an offence. For you, this means at least a €500 fine, two points in Flensburg and a driving ban of at least one month.
A strict alcohol ban applies to novice drivers who are still in the Trial period and also for Drivers under the age of 21. The 0.0 per mille limit for novice drivers and under 21-year-olds also applies without restriction to e-scooters. In addition to a €250 fine and a point in Flensburg, an offence against the 0.0 per mille limit can be classed as an A offence. This offence may result in compulsory attendance at an advanced training seminar and an extension of the probationary period by two years.
Driving an e-scooter while drunk - when is it a criminal offence?
From 1.1 per mille, driving an e-scooter is assumed to be a punishable drink-driving offence and those affected must expect to be reported to the police if their behaviour is conspicuous. This can result in a fine or a prison sentence of up to 1 year. Possible secondary penalties include a driving ban of up to 6 months or the revocation of a driving licence. However, driving under the influence of alcohol can also be considered a criminal offence much earlier. The sanctions can even result in the driving licence being revoked. This is because the line between an administrative offence and a criminal offence can be blurred when driving under the influence of alcohol. A driver can be accused of drunk driving (Section 316 of the German Criminal Code) from a level of 0.3 per mille if they behave in an abnormal manner.
How expensive is it to drive drunk on an e-scooter?
Here is a brief and concise list of the sanctions and penalties you could face if you are travelling on an e-scooter with 0.5 per mille or more:
Drunk driving with an e-scooter (0.5 per mille or more)
- 1st time: €500 fine, 2 points in Flensburg and 1 month driving ban
- 2nd time: 1000€ fine, 2 points in Flensburg and 3 months driving ban
- 3rd time: 1500€ fine, 2 points in Flensburg and 3 months driving ban
Drunk driving with an e-scooter (1.1 per mille or more)
- Fine according to daily rates or imprisonment for up to 1 year, 2 or 3 points in Flensburg and driving ban for up to 6 months or withdrawal of driving licence
Accident with e-scooter - steps to fair claims settlement
Have you been involved in an accident with an e-scooter? We can help you. Our network of specialists will take care of the entire claims process. It's that simple:
- You report the accident to us risk-free and free of charge by telephone on 0800 30 111 60 or even faster hier online.
- Our competent team will examine your case immediately and explain how to proceed.
- The claims settlement is initiated and you no longer have to bother with tedious paperwork.
The licensed specialists from the faire-Regulierung network take care of the tasks involved and deal with your claims for compensation - experienced, personal and committed!
