Vienna puts e-mopeds on the streets: New laws for more safety!

Vienna puts e-mopeds on the streets: New laws for more safety!

In Vienna, complaints about e-mopeds on cycle paths are increasing. Mobility City Councilor Ulrike Sima reports on the challenges that arise from the use of these vehicles. E-mopeds, which are primarily used by food delivery people, are now a common sight in city traffic. However, they are currently legally allowed to use cycle paths because they are classified as bicycles. Sima points out that anything with two wheels and no internal combustion engine falls into this category.

The city is now planning to change the law to ban e-mopeds from cycle paths and thus create more safety for cyclists. The new regulation aims to revise the legal framework for e-mopeds and classify them as motor vehicles. This was developed together with traffic planner Harald Frey and is intended to support Transport Minister Peter Hanke in implementing it OTS reported.

Regulation and safety in road traffic

A key concern of the city is to remove e-mopeds from cycle paths in order to increase traffic safety. E-mopeds weigh on average between 70 and 80 kg, which is significantly heavier than a classic moped. This often leads to e-mopeds exceeding the maximum permitted speed of 25 km/h; Measurements show that 50% of them drive over 26 km/h and 15% even over 34 km/h on the cycle highway.

These security risks have also led the ÖAMTC and the ARBÖ to support the call for better regulation. The draft amendment stipulates that only “classic” bicycles, e-bikes and scooters without motors are considered bicycles. Fully motorized vehicles such as e-mopeds should be subject to registration and also meet requirements for driving licenses, helmets and insurance.

Legal changes in prospect

The intended change in the law would also suggest that e-scooters, whose design speed is a maximum of 20 km/h, remain unaffected by these new regulations. The changes are intended to ensure that there is clarity in road traffic and at the same time improve the safety aspect for all road users. E-mopeds will still be allowed, but will have to travel on the roadway, where they can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h when unthrottled, Sima added.

The City of Vienna's planned measures are a direct response to the frequent incidents and complaints about inappropriate use of cycle paths by e-mopeds, such as the standard reported. By adapting the rules, the city aims to create a safe space for cyclists and pedestrians.