E-mopeds on cycle paths: Danger for cyclists or necessary progress?

E-mopeds on cycle paths: Danger for cyclists or necessary progress?

The discussion about the regulation of e-mopeds in Austria is gaining momentum. Leonore Gewessler, the former transport minister, campaigned to move e-mopeds from cycle paths onto roads, but her plan failed. The traffic light government, led by the Ministry of Transport, is currently examining the same approach. The ZIB2 moderator Armin Wolf recently discussed the unsafe feeling of many cyclists who are increasingly withdrawing from traffic in order to avoid dangers from e-mopeds. A pedestrian made it clear that e-mopeds belong on the street and not on the cycle paths intended for cyclists.

The Ministry of Transport, which is now led by the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), is faced with the challenge of developing clear regulations for e-mopeds, although this could still take some time. Current reports show that e-mopeds and similar electric vehicles are increasing on Vienna's cycle paths and are becoming a safety problem. Mobility City Councilor Ulli Sima is therefore calling for a legal differentiation of these vehicles in order to ensure road safety.

Road safety in focus

The problem is clear: E-mopeds without license plates, which are considered fully motorized vehicles, are pushing onto cycle paths. These vehicles, which also include e-scooters, are legally classified as “bicycles” in Austria, but are not always allowed to ride on these paths without hesitation. E-mopeds weigh between 70 and 80 kg and often exceed the permitted speed of 25 km/h. Measurements on Lassallestrasse showed that 15% of e-mopeds drive faster than 34 km/h. Sima has made clear demands:

• Einführung klarer gesetzlicher Regeln auf Bundesebene.
• Eine Gewichtsbeschränkung für Radwegfahrzeuge auf maximal 60 kg.
• Eine Bauartgeschwindigkeit für E-Kleinstfahrzeuge von maximal 20 km/h.
• Entwicklung neuer Prüf- und Messverfahren zur Überprüfung der gesetzlichen Bestimmungen.

The dangers that arise, especially from fully motorized vehicles on cycle paths, are confirmed by traffic planner Harald Frey. In Germany there are already differences in the legal classification between human-powered and motorized vehicles. For example, e-mopeds are not allowed to drive on cycle paths here. Vienna plans to discuss these differences at the next state transport conference in June and to promote new regulations.

Electric vehicle rules

The use of electric scooters must also meet strict requirements. Pedestrian zones may only be accessed with permission and sidewalks and walkways may generally not be used. Operation is only planned on cycling facilities, roadways where cycling is permitted, and on residential streets. The recurring regulations for these vehicles are constantly updated as part of mobility initiatives.

The current regulations emphasize that electric scooters may have a maximum power of 600 watts and travel speeds should not exceed 25 km/h. In addition, no other people are allowed to ride, and it remains important to ensure the safety of all road users at all times. Rules of conduct for e-scooter users include, among other things, the wearing of a helmet for children under 12 and a strict alcohol limit.

The ongoing debate about binding regulation for e-mopeds shows that the need for clear safety and regulatory standards for both cyclists and e-moped users is more urgent than ever. While the City of Vienna and the Ministry of Transport continue to work on solutions, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop with regard to e-mopeds and their use.