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Last week, rentable e-scooters started popping up around Kaiserslautern. You can now own an electronic scooter or rent one of the teal-colored TIER scooters through the company’s app. Since e-scooters are motorized vehicles, they’re under much of the same laws and regulations as motorcycles, mopeds and cars. That includes the same drunk driving laws.
While you may be tempted with all that liquid courage coursing through your veins to hop on and gleefully ride through the streets with the wind in your hair, you will get in as much trouble as if you got behind the wheel of a car drunk.
Several people found that out the hard way this weekend in Kaiserslautern. According to Die Rheinpfalz, five people were cited for riding an e-scooter while intoxicated. Depending on their age and BAC, they could end up with hefty fines and possibly lose their license.
The Polizei aren’t just looking for those “drinking and scooting.” Over the weekend, seven e-scooters were “pulled over” for driving on the sidewalk. In true Polizei fashion, they’re not messing around.
Before you start gliding your way through K-Town, here is what our friends over at Kaiserslautern Polizei say:
You have to be at least 14 years old.
You technically don’t have to wear a helmet but you really should.
Do not drive a scooter intoxicated.
Max speed is 20 km/h
The scooter needs to have liability insurance with a badge attached to it. (Most rentable ones are insured by the company.)
The same drunk driving laws apply to scooters.
You cannot drive the scooter on sidewalks.
You cannot take the scooter on the Autobahn.
You can drive on structured bike paths, common walking and cycling paths and roads where bicycles are permitted.
Only one person per scooter.
If you have any questions about rentable e-scooters or owning one you can email the Polizei or call them at 0631 369-1080.
