Electric Scooter Laws in Europe 2026: Country-by-Country Guide
Introduction: Europe Has No Single E-Scooter Law
If you ride an electric scooter in Europe, you already know the frustration. What is perfectly legal in Paris could get you fined in Berlin. And in London, your scooter could be confiscated.
The truth is, there is no unified EU-wide regulation for e-scooters. Each country sets its own rules. Some have embraced them fully. Others are still figuring it out. A few have banned them outright.
This guide breaks down the latest e-scooter laws across Europe in 2026, helping you ride legally and avoid costly fines.
France — Insurance Mandatory Since 2019
Status: ✅ Legal on public roads
Key rules:
KuKirin models that comply: S1 Max (25km/h), G2 Pro VMP/ABE
Note: France enforces strict insurance rules. Home insurance no longer covers scooter liability — you need a dedicated policy .
Germany — ABE Certification Essential
Status: ✅ Legal with ABE certification
Key rules:
KuKirin models that comply: KuKirin G2 Pro ABE — specifically configured with ABE certification
Note: If your scooter does not have ABE certification, you cannot ride it on German public roads. Private land is the only exception .
Spain — DGT Certification + Mandatory Insurance from 2026
Status: ✅ Legal with VMP certification
Key rules:
KuKirin models that comply: KuKirin G2 Pro VMP — DGT-certified, VMP-approved
Note: Spain is tightening enforcement. From 22 January 2027, only DGT-certified VMP models can circulate. Legacy scooters have until January 2027 to adapt .
Italy — Rolling Implementation
Status: ✅ Legal
Key rules:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 20–25 km/h depending on local rules |
| Helmet | Mandatory in some regions |
| Infrastructure | Same laws as bicycles |
| Updates | Rules revised in 2025 |
KuKirin models that comply: S1 Max (25km/h), G2 Pro VMP/ABE
Note: Italy has updated its e-scooter rules in 2025. Check local regulations as municipalities can impose additional restrictions .
United Kingdom — Private Scooters Still Illegal
Status: ❌ Illegal on public roads
KuKirin recommendation: If you live in the UK, do not ride a private e-scooter on public roads. The legal situation may change, but for now, it is illegal.
Netherlands — Legal with Specific Guidelines
Status: ✅ Legal within specific guidelines
Key rules:
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Licence plates required for certain vehicles from 1 July 2025 (transition until 1 July 2026)
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Not allowed on pavements
Belgium — Same Laws as Bicycles
Status: ✅ Legal
Key rules:
-
Local restrictions may apply in cities like Brussels
Nordic Countries — 20 km/h Limit
Sweden
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 20 km/h — otherwise classified as moped |
| Helmet | Mandatory for under-15s; strongly recommended for all |
| Infrastructure | Cycle paths and roads — no pavements |
Norway
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 20 km/h |
| Helmet | Mandatory for under-15s; recommended for all |
| Minimum age | ~12 years for private use |
Denmark
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 20 km/h |
| Helmet | Mandatory for everyone — no exceptions |
| Minimum age | 15 years old |
| Infrastructure | Cycle paths only — no pavements |
Finland
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 25 km/h |
| Helmet | Strongly recommended |
| Minimum age | 15 years old |
| Alcohol limits | Same as motor vehicle drivers |
KuKirin G2 Pro Certified Versions — Your Legal Solution
| Version | Certification | Target Market | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| G2 Pro VMP | DGT VMP | Spain | 25 km/h |
| G2 Pro ABE | ABE | Germany | 20 km/h |
Both versions comply with EN 17128 European standard for electric personal mobility vehicles . They are pre-certified — no extra paperwork, no hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens if I ride without insurance in France?
You risk a fine of up to €3,750 and vehicle seizure. Insurance has been mandatory since 2019 .
Q2: Is the G2 Pro VMP legal in Germany?
No — for Germany, you need the G2 Pro ABE with ABE certification. The VMP version is not ABE-certified .
Q3: Do I need insurance for my scooter in Spain?
Yes — from 2 January 2026. Law 5/2025 makes civil liability insurance mandatory for all VMPs. Fines for riding without insurance range from €250 to €800 .
Q4: Can I ride a private e-scooter in the UK?
No. Private e-scooters remain illegal on all public roads, cycle lanes, and pavements. Only rental scooters under government trials are permitted .
Q5: What is the speed limit for e-scooters in Nordic countries?
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Sweden, Norway, Denmark: 20 km/h
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Finland: 25 km/h
Helmets are mandatory for everyone in Denmark and for under-15s in Sweden and Norway .
Q6: What is ABE certification?
ABE stands for Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (General Operating Permit). It is the German road-legal certification required to ride an e-scooter on public roads. Without ABE, riding is illegal in Germany .
Q7: What is VMP certification?
VMP stands for Vehículo de Movilidad Personal (Personal Mobility Vehicle). It is DGT certification for Spain. Only VMP-certified scooters can circulate legally on Spanish roads .
Q8: Will the G2 Pro VMP still be legal in Spain after 2026?
Yes — it is DGT-certified. However, from 2 January 2026, you will also need mandatory liability insurance and the scooter must be registered with the DGT .
Conclusion: Know Your Country, Know Your Model
European e-scooter laws are a patchwork. One country allows them; another restricts them. Some require certification, others require insurance.
The Golden Rule: Ride legal, ride safe.
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France: S1 Max or VMP/ABE models + insurance
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Germany: G2 Pro ABE + insurance
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Spain: G2 Pro VMP + insurance (from 2026)
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Nordics: Check speed limits — 20 km/h in Sweden/Norway/Denmark; 25 km/h in Finland
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UK: Not legal on public roads
If your country allows 25 km/h scooters, the S1 Max is an excellent choice. If you need certified compliance for Spain or Germany, the G2 Pro VMP and ABE versions are engineered for exactly that purpose.
Always check your local rules before riding — and stay safe out there.