When riding a kick or electric scooter in Vienna, be aware of specific traffic rules that apply.
Electric scooters
Electric scooters with a maximum power output of 600 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour may be ridden on roads where cycling is permitted. The same traffic rules and regulations therefore apply to electric scooter riders as to cyclists:
- You have to observe traffic rules and speed limits.
- You are not allowed to ride on pavements and footpaths.
- Your electric scooter has to be equipped like a bicycle according to the Austrian bicycle regulation (Fahrradverordnung) (German).
- Electric scooters must also have additional equipment, for example:
- brakes
- white reflectors or reflective film at the front and red reflectors or reflective film at the rear
- direction indicators (turn signals) at the ends of the handlebars.
- Children under the age of 12 who do not hold a cycling proficiency certificate may ride on public roads, except residential streets, only when accompanied by a person who is at least 16 years old.
- Electric scooter riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.
- Using a phone while riding is prohibited.
Electric scooters with a maximum speed above 25 kilometres per hour and a maximum power output exceeding 600 watts are legally classified as mopeds. A driving licence is required to ride them, and riders must wear a helmet.
Kick scooters
Kick scooters are small two wheeled, human-powered vehicles with a standing deck close to the ground. They are legally classified as toys and are therefore not allowed on roads. You are allowed to ride a kick scooter only
- on pavements and footpaths,
- in pedestrian zones, and
- residential and play streets
as long as you do not endanger or obstruct pedestrians.
Children under the age of 8 must be supervised by a person who is at least 16 years old.
Public Transport
Unlike bicycles, scooters and electric scooters may be taken on the underground during rush hours. They are also permitted on buses and trams, provided they are stowed safely and do not endanger other passengers. The best place to store them is under a seat.