TÜV Association Survey: 78 Percent in Favor of E-Scooter License
In view of the increasingly complex traffic conditions, the majority of German citizens see a need for better mobility education in secondary schools: Almost four out of five respondents (78 percent) believe it makes sense to prepare young people in the seventh or eighth grade for the safe handling of e-scooters and e-bikes. This is the result of a nationwide representative survey conducted by the opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of the TÜV Association among 1,200 people aged 16 and over. Similar to bicycle training in primary school, an "e-scooter license" could be issued upon completion.
"With the growing popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes, the need to educate children and young people in the handling of motorized means of transportation is increasing," says Fani Zaneta, traffic safety expert at the TÜV Association.
In Germany, e-scooters can be used by people as young as 14 without a driver's license. These small electric vehicles reach speeds of up to 20 km/h, while e-bikes can go up to 25 km/h. A lack of driving skills, mobility experience, and knowledge of traffic rules significantly increases the accident risk for young drivers. The increased accident risk for younger individuals is reflected in the accident statistics: In 2023, 42 percent of injured e-scooter riders were under 25 years old. Zaneta:
"Continuous mobility education from primary school to high school could help prevent accidents and prepare young people for the challenges of road traffic," says Zaneta. "Everyone involved in traffic would benefit from this."
In Germany, mobility education often ends with the bicycle license in primary school. The TÜV Association calls for systematic and continuous mobility education for children and young people to better prepare them for participating in road traffic and obtaining a driver's license.
Avoiding accidents and traffic violations with e-scooters
Additional mobility education would not only increase risk awareness but also help avoid traffic violations and educate about understanding other road users. "E-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks, and riding with two people is forbidden," says Zaneta. Riding without an insurance license plate is fined 40 euros, and using an electric scooter without operating approval is 70 euros. Running a red light incurs penalties ranging from 60 to 180 euros, depending on the risk situation.
Particularly problematic is the use by children under 14, as they are legally not allowed to ride on public paths—even under parental supervision. Violations result in fines between 90 and 135 euros. Sharing service providers often have stricter rules: According to the terms of use from many providers, minors are not allowed to rent e-scooters. Nevertheless, many use the accounts of parents or older friends. In the event of an accident, insurance coverage is void, with significant consequences for the parents. An absolute alcohol ban also applies to young e-scooter riders.
Parents and Schools Responsible for Mobility Education
The current mobility education in Germany mainly takes place in primary school. In the first two grades, children learn simple traffic rules and how to cross a street safely. From the third grade, children are trained in proper cycling and take the bicycle test, colloquially known as a bicycle license, in the fourth grade. From the perspective of the TÜV Association, mobility education as a whole must be given greater importance. Children need better opportunities to develop their own mobility biography as they grow into adults.
“Our mobility education needs to keep pace with the times,” says Zaneta. "Traffic is becoming increasingly complex as the number of vehicles rises steadily and new means of transportation are added. Children and adolescents need continuous mobility education from primary to secondary school. This includes age-appropriate offerings in daycare centers and mandatory content in schools such as more specific cycling and later e-scooter training.”
But parents are also called upon as role models to support children in active participation in road traffic. Almost all respondents of the TÜV survey see parents as responsible for preparing children for road traffic participation: 98 percent of respondents consider them central figures in traffic education, while 84 percent see schools and 73 percent also see daycare centers as responsible.
Methodology
The basis of the information is a representative Forsa survey commissioned by the TÜV Association among 1,200 people aged 16 and over. The survey was conducted from September 5 to 11, 2024. The questions were: “There are new forms of mobility, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, which young people aged 14 and over are allowed to rent and ride. What do you think: Should there be additional mobility training in school in the seventh or eighth grade to prepare for safe handling of new forms of mobility?”; “What do you think: How responsible are the following groups or institutions for preparing children for participation in road traffic?”
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