Whether it's work or outing, plan your route to fit your vehicle. An electric scooter with seat and an electric trottinette are not automatically assigned to the same vehicle type.
First check the type of vehicle
In principle, the traffic rules for bicycles apply to light motor bikes that comply with the rules. Existing cycle paths and bike lanes must be used. Pure pedestrian areas are in principle taboo; note signposted clearances. These rules cannot be applied on a flat-rate basis to scooters registered as motorcycles.
Private reason does not automatically mean free travel
A private parking lot can also be considered as a public transport area if it is open to an indeterminate circle of people. A shopping center parking lot is therefore not a free practice site.
Source: BFU – Electric vehicles and public roads. Edited in September 2026.
This is how you prepare your route
- Keep the exact type of vehicle available from the documentation.
- Check difficult areas: pedestrian zone, common paths and driving bans.
- Plan a clear route for the first trip with enough time.
- Clear unclear signaling with the relevant local authority.
If you have any questions regarding the classification, we will help you with the documents of your model. Discover Electric Scooter or Request advice. The cover image is a symbol image.
Share the work path in advance into sections
Look not only at the start and finish, but also the transitions between them. A route can pass from a normal road to a park, a common path or a pedestrian zone. Write down the places you're insecure. A route recommendation on the smartphone does not replace the testing of the signs and the rules for your vehicle.
In case of an unclear passage, plan an alternative that you can clearly assign. Especially before the first commuting trip it is worth getting to know the way without time pressure. Also take into account a suitable parking option at the destination and check whether there are additional local requirements for the access.
Getting ahead faster with a specific question
If you ask a competent authority for information, specify the road or section of the road and your exact vehicle type. A photo of the relevant traffic sign and the information from the vehicle documents will help in the classification. Ask for exactly this connection, instead of simply asking about the use of an electric scooter in general.
Two similar-looking scooters may also be subject to different requirements. Therefore, do not take the route of an acquaintance unchecked. For the preparation you can also use our Checklist before the first trip and collect the outstanding points for a consultation.