Unleash Your Spirit, But Follow the Rules
On May 20, 2021, an amendment to the “Road Traffic Law” came into effect, which regulates the legal status of electrically-powered devices and muscle-powered devices designed for use on public roads. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know as a road user, whether you’re cycling, walking, or scooting.
Understanding the New Definitions
First and foremost, you should know that the amendment introduces three new definitions in the Road Traffic Law:
Sports-Recreational Devices intended for standing users, powered by muscle force (e.g. rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards, traditional scooters, folding scooters, stunt scooters, etc.).
Electric Scooter – An electrically powered, two-wheeled vehicle with handlebars, without a seat and pedals, designed for operation solely by the rider standing on it.
Personal Transport Device (PTD) – An electrically powered vehicle, excluding electric scooters, without a seat and pedals, designed for operation solely by the rider standing on it (e.g. electric skateboard, self-balancing electric device, etc.).
So, what does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.
Mobility Support Devices
When using sidewalks and pedestrian paths, it’s essential to match your speed with that of pedestrians, give them the right of way, and ensure you do not hinder their normal movement. Remember that on bike paths, right-hand traffic rules apply. When crossing the road, you should use either a cyclist crossing or a pedestrian crossing, as appropriate.
Restrictions: Using mobility support devices, such as rollerblading, has no age restrictions and does not require any special permits.
Paths suitable for mobility support devices include:
- Pavements
- Pedestrian paths
- Bike paths
When using a mobility support device, you should:
- Move at a speed that allows you to maintain control of the device, considering the conditions in which you are operating.
- Keep a safe distance from passing or overtaking vehicles, other road users, or obstacles.
- Ensure there is enough space to overtake without disrupting anyone else’s movement.
- Exercise extra caution when approaching pedestrian crossings and yield to pedestrians already on the crossing.
While using a mobility support device, you must not:
- Operate under the influence of alcohol.
- Transport another person, animal, or cargo.
- Tow a vehicle or cargo.
- Hitch onto other vehicles.
- Move in reverse.
Electric Scooters
When riding an electric scooter, you should use bike lanes or bicycle paths, and on shared paths with pedestrians, you must give way to pedestrians.
Restrictions: Operating an electric scooter requires certain qualifications, such as a bicycle card or a driving licence in categories AM, A1, B1, or T for individuals under 18 years old. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to operate an electric scooter or any personal transport device on public roads, except when riding in a residential area under adult supervision.
Paths suitable for electric scooter travel include:
- Bike lanes or bicycle paths, provided they are designated for the direction you are travelling or intend to turn.
- Roads where vehicle traffic is permitted at speeds not exceeding 30 km/h, in the absence of a designated bike lane or path.
- Pavements or pedestrian paths – BUT ONLY when the pavement runs alongside a road where vehicle traffic is allowed at speeds greater than 30 km/h and there is no designated bike lane or path.
Electric scooter riders are prohibited from:
- Travelling at speeds exceeding 20 km/h;
- Towing or pulling another vehicle;
- Transporting another person, animal, or cargo.
Personal Transport Devices
When using a personal transport device (PTD), such as an electric skateboard, you should use bike lanes, and on shared paths with pedestrians, you must give way to pedestrians.
Restrictions: Similar to electric scooters, operating a PTD, like an electric skateboard, requires qualifications such as a bicycle card or a driving licence in categories AM, A1, B1, or T. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to operate a personal transport device, except in residential areas under adult supervision.
Paths for Personal Transport Devices (PTDs):
Bicycle Path – You can use it if it is designated for the direction you are travelling or intend to turn.
Pavement and Pedestrian Path – Allowed ONLY when there is no designated bicycle path available.
While operating a personal transport device, you must not:
- Travel at speeds exceeding 20 km/h;
- Tow or pull another vehicle;
- Transport another person, animal, or cargo;
- Attach to other vehicles.
Scooter Parking:
Say goodbye to “abandoned” scooters on pavements. New regulations require that electric scooters be parked in designated areas on pavements. If such an area is unavailable, when parking, ensure that:
- The electric scooter is positioned as close as possible to the outer edge of the pavement, farthest from the road;
- The electric scooter is aligned parallel to the pavement edge;
- The remaining pavement width for pedestrian traffic is sufficient, not hindering movement, and is no less than 1.5 metres.
No more anarchy – electric scooters or personal transport devices may be removed from the road at the owner’s expense if left in prohibited areas that obstruct traffic or pose a safety risk. A police officer or municipal guard can order the removal of the vehicle from the road.
Now you know the legal differences between riding an electric scooter and a traditional one, and your responsibilities as a participant in traffic when using rollerblades, or when operating an electric skateboard. We hope that after reading our article, you will avoid misunderstandings and fines.
Check out our scooters with hand brakes.
But that’s not all—when planning your ride, make sure to prioritise safety by equipping yourself with the right protective gear, such as pads and a helmet, which you can find on our website. We also recommend checking out our highly popular scooters with LED light-up wheels.
Enjoy the ride and... scoot freely!
