Daily Disruptions from E-Scooters - A Mere 11 Minutes of Quiet
As Berlin embraces innovation in mobility technologies, e-scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for many residents and visitors. However, to ensure safety and order on the city's streets and sidewalks, the government has implemented several regulations and initiatives for e-scooter usage, parking, and fines.
Since June 15, 2019, all e-scooters with speeds exceeding 6 km/h must have valid insurance and display a license plate. As of March 1, 2025, the license plate colour for e-scooters changed to green. The license plate, a small sticker issued by the insurance company upon contract conclusion, must be visibly affixed to the scooter. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offense punishable by fines (up to 180 daily rates) or imprisonment up to one year.
The Federal Ministry of Transport is currently considering a ban on parking shared e-scooters on sidewalks, addressing concerns about clutter and pedestrian safety. This potential tightening of parking regulations, especially for shared e-scooters in urban areas like Berlin, indicates future changes to better integrate e-scooters into the city infrastructure.
Compliance with speed limits and stricter parking rules is being emphasized to reduce accidents and nuisance caused by improper parking and unregulated use. Users in Berlin must be prepared for these stricter regulations, as non-compliance can lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
While discussions around banning sidewalk parking for shared e-scooters are ongoing, there are currently 2,000 parking spaces available in designated areas between Alexanderplatz and Brandenburg Gate, and around the main station, with one space every 200 meters. A digital fence using geo-fencing is being implemented to prevent incorrect parking outside marked areas.
For the first time, fines are being imposed on wrong parkers, with moving a single e-scooter costing 62 euros (public order office 68 euros), and 219 euros (242 euros) due for six e-vehicles. The Senate is taking measures to reduce e-scooters on Berlin's sidewalks, including foot patrols and high fines.
The rental process is straightforward, with users ending the rental only on the rectangular, yellow-bordered area, or the payment clock continues to run. In April, eight companies offered a total of 67,820 two-wheeled rental vehicles, including 46,850 e-scooters, 18,620 electric bicycles, and 2,350 e-motorcycles.
Despite the high number of rental vehicles, many e-scooters stood unused, with the average trip distance being 1.5 kilometers and they being on the road for only 11 minutes a day with one and a half trips. E-bikes (excluding Nextbike and Call-a-bike) were used for longer periods (12.8 minutes) and traveled an average of 2.2 kilometers.
The Senate is also taking steps to improve the city's e-scooter infrastructure. A special use fee is being paid by providers in the inner-city area since 2023, with 3 euros for a bike, 0.50 euros for an e-scooter, and 4 euros for a small motorcycle per month. Most special use permits for these rental vehicles are valid until April 2027. BVG and Jelbi have created 279 legal parking spots for rental vehicles by the end of March.
In addition, the visually impaired association is suing against special permits that restrict their mobility, with a decision expected this summer that could potentially eliminate a source of income for the state (1,012,767 euros in fees set for this year).
In conclusion, users in Berlin must have valid insurance and a green license plate on their e-scooters, comply with speed limits, and be prepared for stricter parking rules. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines or even imprisonment. Discussions around banning sidewalk parking for shared e-scooters are ongoing, signaling future changes in regulations to better integrate e-scooters into the city infrastructure.
On top of complying with speed limits and stricter parking rules, smartphone users in Berlin should also ensure their e-scooters have a visible green license plate and valid insurance, as driving without them may result in fines or imprisonment. Additionally, as technology advances and regulations for e-scooter usage continue to evolve, the use of gadgets such as smartphones may become increasingly beneficial for locating designated parking areas and navigating the city's streets, helping maintain safety and order on Berlin's streets and sidewalks.
