News

Source: Pixabay electric-scooters-g79ed69ed4_1920

E-scooter alcohol limit put to the test

Up to now, the same regulations apply to e-scooters with regard to the alcohol level value as for driving a car. However, some experts think that it would make more sense to follow the less strict regulations for cyclists. With the e-scooter's ability to travel about 20 km/h, they are closer to bicycles than cars. A driving licence is also not required for the two-wheelers. The ADAC now suggests a differentiation between vehicles that require a driving licence and those that do not. A distinction between motor vehicles and other vehicles would make less sense. To remind you again: For car drivers, and thus also for e-scooters, the blood alcohol limit is 0.5, as they also legally fall under the concept of a motor vehicle. This means that exceeding the limit is an administrative offence and a fine of 500 euros is due, as well as a one-month driving ban. From a value of 1.1, higher fines and a revocation of the driving licence are also possible. This applies even if the driver does not show any signs of failure. Riding a bicycle or e-bike under the influence of alcohol is, however, only punishable from a blood alcohol level of 1.6, provided that there are no signs of failure and no accident occurs.
The ADAC points out that the consumption of alcohol and participation in road traffic should always be kept too strictly separate. Nevertheless, it would have to be taken into account if the intoxicated person resorts to the less dangerous means of the e-scooter and forgoes the car. In order to give credit to this circumstance, it is to be examined from which blood alcohol level an absolute inability to drive exists in the case of e-scooters. It is now conceivable that the driving licence for electric pedal scooters will be revoked from a blood alcohol level of 1.1 for drivers under the influence of alcohol, provided that this person does not have a car driving licence. Furthermore, there is the possibility that e-scooter drivers will have to prove a theoretical test on road traffic knowledge in the future. Furthermore, a helmet requirement for vehicles that can travel faster than 6 km/h is being discussed.
The number of road accidents has increased overall, but especially the number of accidents involving a person under the influence of alcohol. A scientific evaluation from Norway also shows that most accidents with e-scooters occur at night or in the evening due to drunk drivers.