E-Scooter Providers Found in Karlsruhe: Detailed Overview
Electric scooters (E-Scooters) have become a popular mode of transportation in various German cities, and Karlsruhe is no exception. These single-rider vehicles provide an alternative to traditional methods like walking or biking for short distance travel. Three prominent providers – Voi, Dott, and Bolt – offer E-Scooters in the city, according to the Karlsruhe Tourist Information.
Voi, a Swedish company, debuted in Karlsruhe in September 2019. Dott entered the scene a month later, with around 300 E-Scooters available. Bolt, a newer entrant, introduced its E-Scooters to Karlsruhe residents in 2024, operating in over 600 cities globally. The providers typically charge around 20 to 29 cents per minute, with a start-up fee of one euro.
When using E-Scooters in Karlsruhe, riders must adhere to certain traffic regulations. E-Scooters should ideally be parked in designated zones around the main station and the pedestrian zone in Kaiserstraße. Parking outside of these locations is strictly prohibited. While it is not permitted to use E-Scooters on the sidewalk, they can be ridden on bike lanes and bike paths or on the street when neither is available. A driver's license is not needed, and the maximum speed limit is 20 kilometers per hour. Alcohol limits are the same as for car drivers, with penalties starting at 0.3 promille. Helmet use is strongly recommended, but not required by law. Other regulations include prohibitions on transporting goods on the footboard and allowing only one rider per scooter.
It should be noted that while nextbike, primarily a bike-sharing service, may integrate E-Scooter services in Karlsruhe, specific providers for the city have not been explicitly confirmed for nextbike. However, other common E-Scooter operators like TIER and Circ typically operate in major urban areas across Germany, potentially including Karlsruhe. For the most up-to-date information on active E-Scooter providers in Karlsruhe, it is recommended to check local city websites or apps.
Riding E-Scooters in Karlsruhe follows the same regulations as in other German cities. Users must be at least 14 years old, maintain a maximum speed of 20 km/h, adhere to designated riding zones, and park E-Scooters in appropriate locations. Moreover, riders must signal, respect traffic lights and signs, and wear helmets, although this is not a legal requirement. By following these regulations, riders can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while utilizing this popular mode of transportation.
E-Scooters, introduced by providers like Voi and Dott, have significantly influenced Karlsruhe's urban lifestyle, merging technology with transportation. As regulations are similar to other German cities, riders over 14 years old can use these vehicles with recommendations such as wearing helmets and adhering to designated zones for parking and riding.
