The German Police Union (GdP) is pressing for significantly more extensive measures alongside the planned reform of liability rules for e-scooters, signaling discontent despite a cautious welcome for the draft legislation presented by Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD). While acknowledging the initiative, the GdP argues the current proposal represents an incomplete solution to the increasingly problematic situation surrounding e-scooter regulation, particularly in major German cities.
Hubig’s draft aims to introduce a no-fault liability system for e-scooter owners and establish a presumption of negligence for riders, a move intended to increase accountability. However, GdP Vice President Michael Mertens, in comments to “Handelsblatt”, emphasized that the initiative is merely a fragment of a comprehensive approach needed to address the “under-regulated and, at times, chaotic” e-scooter landscape. The ultimate goal, he stated, should be the complete avoidance of accidents involving these vehicles.
Mertens advocates for legally binding regulations from municipalities regarding e-scooter parking, restricting them to designated areas such as marked parking spaces and prohibiting them from sidewalks or hazardous locations. He also stressed the crucial need for synchronization between Hubig’s draft legislation and planned amendments to the Federal Ministry of Transport’s regulations on small electric vehicles. A cohesive and effective framework requires compatibility between the two regulatory bodies.
“The Federal Council and the Bundestag are now called upon to fundamentally revise the insufficient rules outlined in the current draft and render them more practical” Mertens asserted.
While the CDU has expressed support for the Justice Ministry’s plans, highlighting the potential for improved consumer protection and fairer compensation for accident victims-with CDU parliamentary group’s Consumer Advocate Sebastian Steineke calling the move a “good news for injured parties”-critics suggest the focus remains reactive rather than preventative. The rising number of e-scooter accidents underscores a systemic failure to adequately manage their proliferation and use, prompting concerns that the current proposals, while potentially beneficial, might not sufficiently curb irresponsible riding behavior or address the root causes of the escalating safety risks. A more proactive and enforced regulatory environment, proponents argue, is essential to truly mitigate the dangers posed by the burgeoning e-scooter industry.
