Registration plates, the “Pickerl” inspection, a driving licence and mandatory helmets are among the key changes
Users of e-scooters and e-mopeds in Austria are facing important regulatory changes. As of 1 September 2026, Wiener Linien introduced new rules governing the transport of e-scooters on Vienna’s public transport network. From 1 October, new regulations will also come into force for certain categories of e-mopeds, introducing mandatory registration, insurance, an appropriate driving licence and helmet use.
Electric scooters and mopeds have become an increasingly visible part of the urban mobility landscape in Austria and across European cities in recent years. Fast, practical and relatively inexpensive to operate, they offer users an efficient way to avoid crowded public transport and lengthy traffic jams during peak hours.
Their growing popularity, however, has also created new challenges. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists increasingly share urban space with users of electric vehicles who may move between cycle lanes, roads and other traffic areas, sometimes creating unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations.
Against this backdrop, regulations governing these forms of mobility are becoming stricter.
New Rules for E-Scooters in Vienna from 1 September
The first major change took effect on 1 September 2026 and concerns the transport of e-scooters on vehicles operated by Wiener Linien, Vienna’s public transport operator.
E-scooters are now subject to the same transport rules as bicycles, including e-bikes.
In practical terms, this means that e-scooters are no longer permitted on Wiener Linien buses and trams, while they may only be taken onto the U-Bahn at specified times outside peak hours.
When Can E-Scooters Be Taken on the U-Bahn?
As of 1 September, e-scooters may be transported on the U-Bahn during the following periods:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Monday to Friday, from 6:30 pm until the end of service
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, all day
E-scooters may not be taken onto the U-Bahn during peak hours.
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Folding the E-Scooter Does Not Change the Rule
An important provision also applies to foldable electric scooters.
Since 1 September, e-scooters have not been permitted on Wiener Linien buses or trams even when folded.
Under Wiener Linien’s transport regulations, folded e-scooters are not classified as hand luggage.
Different rules apply to conventional, non-electric scooters. As these take up significantly less space when folded, they may continue to be transported on all Wiener Linien vehicles at any time.
Violations Carry a €50 Fine
Passengers who fail to comply with the new transport rules may face a €50 fine.
This applies, for example, to passengers who take an e-scooter onto a tram or transport one on the U-Bahn during periods when e-scooters are not permitted.
There is another important safety rule users should be aware of.
Bicycles and e-scooters may only be pushed within Wiener Linien facilities and premises.
For safety reasons, the use of escalators while carrying or accompanying bicycles or e-scooters is also prohibited.
Major Changes from 1 October: New Rules for E-Mopeds
While the September changes primarily concern e-scooters on Vienna’s public transport network, significant changes for owners of certain categories of e-mopeds will come into force on 1 October 2026.
These vehicles will no longer be permitted to use cycle paths or cycle lanes.
This, however, is only one element of the new regulatory framework.
Registration and Insurance Become Mandatory
“Many e-moped owners are still unaware that from 1 October 2026 they will have to insure and register their vehicles. Anyone riding without a registration plate after that date will have to face the legal consequences,” warns Barbara Heis of Tiroler Versicherung.
Until now, e-mopeds covered by the change have effectively been classified in a manner similar to bicycles. Their legal status will now change.
From 1 October, certain e-mopeds will be classified as motor vehicles, meaning that they will be subject to regulations comparable to those applying to conventional mopeds with internal combustion engines.
The change applies to defined categories of e-mopeds, including Class L1e-B vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a motor drive without pedal assistance.
These vehicles will require motor vehicle liability insurance and registration.
Registration Plates, “Pickerl”, Driving Licence and Mandatory Helmet
Following registration, owners will receive a registration plate, while their vehicles will also be subject to periodic roadworthiness inspections under Section 57a (§57a-Begutachtung), commonly known in Austria as the “Pickerl”.
In addition to mandatory insurance and registration, an appropriate driving licence will also be required from 1 October.
The use of a suitable protective helmet will also become mandatory.
Barbara Heis believes the new regulatory framework will contribute to improving safety on Austrian roads.
“The new regulation certainly makes sense and will increase the safety of all road users. In particular, the combination of training, mandatory helmet use and liability insurance strengthens protection in road traffic,” Heis says.
ÖAMTC Warns of Potentially High Penalties
ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club) has also drawn attention to the changes, reminding vehicle owners that failure to comply with the new regulations may result in significant penalties.
Financial penalties are not the only potential consequence.
In the event of an accident, the owner of an unregistered or uninsured vehicle could also face recourse claims from the insurance association.
Barbara Heis therefore advises owners affected by the new rules to arrange registration and insurance in good time.
No Need to Wait Until 1 October – Registration Is Already Possible
Owners of e-mopeds covered by the new regulations do not need to wait until the final deadline.
The vehicles can already be registered and insured.
The procedure requires vehicle documentation, proof of ownership and a valid photo ID.
Two Dates E-Scooter and E-Moped Users Should Remember
Two dates are particularly important for users of electric scooters and e-mopeds in Austria:
1 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Wiener Linien’s new rules governing the transport of e-scooters came into effect. E-scooters are no longer permitted on buses and trams, while they may only be taken onto the U-Bahn during specified periods. Violations of the transport regulations may result in a €50 fine.
1 OCTOBER 2026 – New regulations for certain categories of e-mopeds come into force. Among other measures, they introduce a ban on using cycle paths and cycle lanes, as well as requirements concerning registration, insurance, registration plates, an appropriate driving licence, periodic technical inspections and mandatory helmet use.
For owners of these vehicles, the key recommendation is straightforward: check which category your vehicle belongs to and make sure you are familiar with the requirements that will apply from 1 October.
Text: Svetlana Nenadovic Glusac / Information: Stadt Wien / Wiener Linien
Foto: Magnific.com/D&C Austria/AI