E-Scooters with Helmet Mandate in Germany: What Really Applies in 2025?

In Germany, e-scooters are very popular – whether as an alternative to a car, for commuting to work, or for leisure rides. But with increasing use comes an important question: Is there a helmet mandate for e-scooters in Germany? In this article, we clarify the current legal provisions, provide practical recommendations, and show you how to ride safely.

1. Is there a legal helmet mandate for e-scooters in 2025?

The short answer is: No, there is no legal helmet mandate for e-scooter riders in Germany – provided the vehicle has road approval (ABE) and a maximum speed of 20 km/h.

• ✔️ No helmet mandate at max. 20 km/h
• ✔️ Recommended protection according to ADAC & Police
• ❌ No approval for tuned or faster models

2. Why is a helmet still recommended?

Even though there is no mandate, traffic experts and insurers regularly warn against head injuries. A helmet can save lives – especially in falls on wet surfaces, in curves, or in collisions with cars or cyclists.

"Approximately 30% of e-scooter accidents result in head injuries. A helmet could prevent worse consequences in many cases."
– Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

3. For whom is a helmet particularly useful?

• 👧 Young people and novice riders
• 🚴♀️ Commuters in rush hour traffic
• 🌧️ Riders in bad weather or darkness
• 🛴 Riders at higher speeds or on hilly routes

4. Difference to other vehicle classes

In contrast, a helmet mandate already applies to the following vehicles:

• 🏍️ Mopeds and motorcycles (from 45 km/h)
• 🚲 S-Pedelecs (up to 45 km/h)

E-scooters fall under the small electric vehicle regulation (eKFV) and are currently exempt from the helmet mandate.

5. What does politics say – is a helmet mandate coming soon?

Several federal states are already calling for stricter rules – especially after accident statistics involving young people. While no legislative change is planned for 2025, it cannot be ruled out that a helmet mandate will be introduced for certain groups (e.g., under 16 years old) in the future.

6. Our recommendation: Safety first

Even if there is no legal mandate, we recommend:

• ✅ Always wear a tested bicycle helmet
• ✅ Ride defensively and with foresight
• ✅ Avoid alcohol and distraction
• ✅ Use reflective clothing in the dark

7. Bonus: Which helmet is suitable for e-scooters?

When choosing, pay attention to the following criteria:

• ✔️ EN 1078 certification (for bicycle helmets)
• ✔️ Lightweight with good ventilation
• ✔️ Integrated light or reflectors

📺 Video Tip: How to wear your helmet correctly

🧾 FAQ: Frequent Questions about Helmet Mandate