E-scooters in sight: Drunk and uninsured through the Wesermarsch!

E-scooters in sight: Drunk and uninsured through the Wesermarsch!

In the Wesermarsch, violations involving e-scooters are increasing, as current figures show. The most common offenses are driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and driving without insurance. An increase in traffic accidents involving small electric vehicles was recorded in 2024, with 12 of the total 20 accidents being caused by e-scooter drivers. That is more than twice as many as in 2023, when only 8 accidents were counted. Police Chief Inspector Alexander Huber reports a noticeable increase in the number of cases, which will continue in the first months of 2025.

In all of 2024, 121 cases of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs were detected. So far, 7 such cases are known for 2025. The legal consequences for these violations are significant: a first violation includes a fine of 500 euros, a one-month driving ban and two points on the driving fitness register. A repeated violation can be punished with fines of up to 1,500 euros.

Strict regulations and unreported cases

The legal regulations stipulate that e-scooter drivers with a blood alcohol level of less than 0.5 are treated like car drivers. From 0.3 per mille, driving bans or prison sentences can be imposed if other road users are endangered. E-scooters also require insurance and require a license plate. In 2024, 9 cases of driving without insurance were registered, although the number of unreported cases is estimated to be high. Driving without insurance is usually treated as an administrative offense and can be punished with a fine of 40 euros.

The use of smartphones while driving and riding with two people on an e-scooter are also prohibited. There were six fines for cell phone violations in 2024. The fine for this is 100 euros and one point in the driving fitness register. In contrast, riding with two people on an e-scooter often does not result in charges, but is often punishable with a verbal warning.

Legal decisions and risk potential

A recent ruling by the Zweibrücken Higher Regional Court reinforces the strict rules for e-scooter drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A man who was significantly under the influence of drugs during a police stop was fined 500 euros and banned from driving for a month. He filed a legal appeal, which was rejected as unfounded. The court made it clear that the danger of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not reduced by the lower mass and speed of an e-scooter.

These legal developments and the comprehensive regulations are part of the effort to improve road safety and protect e-scooter drivers from themselves and others. It remains to be seen how the situation in the Wesermarsch will develop in the coming months.

For further information on the legal framework and the potential dangers of driving e-scooters, we recommend the articles from NWZonline and ADAC.