European electric scooter regulations have undergone significant changes in 2025-2026, with Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands introducing mandatory registration and insurance requirements. This comprehensive guide covers the best electric scooters available in Europe, plus country-by-country regulations you need to know before buying.
Electric Scooter Regulations by Country (2026)
Important: There is no unified EU-wide regulation for electric scooters. Each country creates its own laws, so always check local requirements.
Germany
Germany has strict but clear regulations: maximum speed 20 km/h, mandatory insurance (Versicherungsplakette sticker required), and ABE certification. Riders must be 14+, helmets are recommended but not mandatory, and e-scooters must use bike lanes or roads—sidewalks are strictly prohibited with €20-100 fines for violations.
France
Speed limit 25 km/h, mandatory insurance, minimum age 14. Helmets required for minors only (may change in 2026). Use bike paths in urban areas; sidewalk riding is prohibited with €135 fines. High-visibility vest required outside urban areas.
Spain (Major Changes January 2026)
As of January 2, 2026, Spain requires mandatory civil liability insurance and registration with DGT (license plate or QR code). Speed limit 25 km/h, helmets mandatory nationwide, minimum age 16. Reflective vest now required.
Italy (Strictest in Europe)
Italy introduced Europe's strictest regulations in December 2024: helmets mandatory for all riders, mandatory insurance, and license plates (MC format) required as of July 2025. Speed limit 25 km/h, minimum age 16.
Netherlands (Newly Legal July 2025)
E-scooters became legal July 1, 2025 with strict requirements: must be on RDW approved list (most scooters are NOT approved), mini license plate required, mandatory insurance. Speed limit 25 km/h, minimum age 16.
United Kingdom
Private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes. Only rental e-scooters in government-approved trial zones are legal. Legislation may be introduced in 2026-2027 to change this.
Belgium & Austria
Belgium: 25 km/h limit, same rules as bicycles, no helmet or insurance required. Austria: 25 km/h limit, helmet mandatory under 13, new regulations from May 2026 include mandatory indicators and bell.
Best Electric Scooters for Europe in 2026
Segway Ninebot MAX G3 E — Best Overall
The Segway MAX G3 E leads the European market with 2000W peak power, up to 80km range (140km with optional battery), and IPX6 water resistance. Self-sealing 11-inch tires handle cobblestones brilliantly, and the Traction Control System prevents skidding on wet surfaces. Priced around €1,200-1,500, it's the premium choice for serious commuters. Available from Segway EU Store and major European retailers.
NIU KQi3 Series — Best Value
NIU offers Europe's best value: the KQi3 Sport at €359 (sale) with 40km range, KQi3 Pro at 53% off with 50km range, and KQi3 Max at €689 with 65km range. All are EU-compliant with intelligent regenerative braking and easy folding. Free shipping across Continental Europe from shopeu.niu.com.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra — Best Dual Suspension
At €999, the Xiaomi 4 Ultra features 500W motor (940W peak), 70km range, and crucial dual suspension for Europe's cobblestone streets. EU-compliant 25 km/h speed, E-ABS braking, and excellent build quality. Available on Amazon and Xiaomi stores across Europe.
Pure Air5 Pro — Best for Rainy Climates
UK-based Pure Electric offers the Air5 Pro with IP65 waterproofing—essential for Northern European weather. 840W peak motor, 66km range, 10-inch puncture-resistant tires. The Pro+ variant adds dual GlideMotion suspension. Available from Pure Electric, Halfords, and Currys.
VSETT 10+ — Performance Choice
For enthusiasts wanting maximum performance, the VSETT 10+ offers dual 1400W motors, patented triple locking mechanism, and NFC key immobilizer. Priced €850-2,250 depending on configuration. European dealers include VSETT-Shop, Fatdaddy, and LOCO Scooters with 2-year warranty and fast EU delivery.
EMOVE Cruiser — Waterproof Champion
With IP67 rating (highest tested), the EMOVE Cruiser handles any weather Europe throws at it. 10-inch pneumatic tires and dual suspension provide excellent ride quality on varied terrain. Around €1,800.
Levy Plus — Innovative but Limited Availability
The American-made Levy Plus deserves mention for its unique swappable battery system—swap batteries in seconds to double your range, a feature absent from most European scooters. At just 13.6kg with 32km range per battery, it's ideal for multimodal commuters. However, European buyers face hurdles: Levy ships internationally but buyers must arrange import, and the scooter lacks confirmed CE certification. With import duties and VAT adding 60-100% to the $749 US price, total European cost reaches €1,200-1,400. Best suited for tech enthusiasts comfortable with DIY maintenance who value the innovative battery system.
Where to Buy in Europe
Pan-European retailers: NIU Europe (shopeu.niu.com), Segway EU Store, Voltride, eVolt.eu, EUCSale, Fatdaddy. Germany: Amazon.de, Govecs AG stores. UK: Pure Electric, Halfords, Currys. Ireland: LOCO Scooters.
EU Compliance Checklist
Before purchasing, ensure your scooter has: CE marking, EN17128 compliance, appropriate speed limiter (20-25 km/h), front and rear lights, reflectors, dual brakes, and bell. For Germany, verify ABE certification. For Netherlands, check RDW approval list. Always purchase from authorized European retailers to ensure warranty support and legal compliance.
With proper research into your country's specific requirements and the right scooter choice, electric scooting across Europe has never been more accessible. Whether you need the waterproof reliability of the Pure Air5 Pro for London rain, the long-range Segway MAX G3 for Berlin commutes, or the value-packed NIU KQi3 for Spanish cities, there's a compliant, quality option for every European rider.