What you can ride, and where
One page per country, written in English for locals, expats and visitors. Each rule links to the official source and shows the date we last checked it.
🇫🇷 France
France allows privately owned e-scooters from age 14 at up to 25 km/h with compulsory third-party insurance, and treats 250 W / 25 km/h e-bikes as ordinary bicycles. Anything faster, including 45 km/h speed pedelecs, is a moped that needs type approval, registration, insurance, a helmet and gloves.
Checked 9 Nov 2026
🇩🇪 Germany
Germany allows privately owned e-scooters from age 14 if the model has a German ABE approval and carries an insurance sticker, and treats pedelecs up to 25 km/h and 250 W as bicycles. Speed pedelecs and mopeds need EU type approval, an insurance plate, an AM licence and a helmet.
Checked 9 Nov 2026
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Pedal-assist e-bikes up to 25 km/h need no licence, plate or insurance, but a privately owned e-scooter is only road-legal if the model has RDW approval and its own number plate, which rules out most models on sale. Speed pedelecs and mopeds need a plate, insurance, an AM licence and a helmet.
Checked 9 Nov 2026
🇵🇱 Poland
Poland lets you ride a privately owned e-scooter (20 km/h, minimum age 13) or a pedal-assist e-bike without registration or insurance, and riders under 16 must wear a helmet on both. Anything with a throttle or more power counts as a moped or motorcycle, which needs registration, compulsory third-party (OC) insurance, a helmet and the right licence.
Checked 9 Nov 2026
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Privately owned e-scooters are still illegal on public roads and pavements in Great Britain; only rental e-scooters in official trial areas in England may be ridden. E-bikes that meet the EAPC rules (250 W, assistance up to 15.5 mph, rider aged 14+) count as ordinary bicycles, while anything faster or more powerful is a moped or motorcycle that must be approved, registered, taxed and insured.
Checked 9 Nov 2026