14 September 2026 Mobility Minister Hanke: "New e-moped rules from 1 October are a huge step towards road safety" The Ministry of Mobility supports food couriers with driving training and information

In a few weeks, the new regulations for so-called "e-mopeds" will come into force in Austria. From 1 October 2026, vehicles of class L1e-B, which have previously been legally treated as bicycles, will be classified as motor vehicles. E-mopeds, like all other mopeds, will no longer be allowed to use cycle paths or other cycle facilities, but only the roadway.

With the new regulations, these vehicles also come with corresponding obligations: They must be registered for road traffic and equipped with a license plate, require third-party liability insurance, drivers need a driving license, and the use of helmets is mandatory. In addition, in the interests of high standards of Austrian traffic safety, further traffic regulations apply, including regular inspections.

"A vehicle that looks like a moped, drives like a moped, and is as heavy as a moped should not be a bicycle – and therefore requires fair and understandable rules. From 1 October, these vehicles belong on the road and no longer on the cycle path. Additionally, they must meet the requirements of high traffic safety standards for motor vehicles. In doing so, we create more safety for all road users. Simultaneously, it was important for us to give people sufficient time for adjustment and support them in the transition to, for example, bicycles or e-bikes," says Mobility Minister Peter Hanke.

The Ministry of Mobility organizes traffic safety training for food couriers

The transition is particularly relevant for those who use e-mopeds in their professional activities – such as for food deliveries. Many of them – as is common in other countries – will switch to bicycles and e-bikes. To support this group in dealing safely with the new regulations, the Ministry of Mobility is organizing bicycle or e-bike traffic safety training for couriers throughout Austria for the period from 2026 to 2029. The training sessions are conducted by qualified cycling schools, with registration available from 1 October 2026.

The focus is on the theme "Safe and legally compliant on the road – even under time pressure." Basic knowledge of the Road Traffic Act, traffic signs and priority rules, as well as safe equipment and practical application of traffic rules are conveyed. The practical part trains correct behavior in complex traffic situations – particularly in interaction with pedestrians, public transport, and parked vehicles. 

"New rules must not only be known but also function in everyday life. Couriers, in particular, spend many hours in traffic and are often under time pressure. That's why, alongside clear legal requirements, we also focus on practical support. With the tailor-made traffic safety training sessions for couriers until 2029, we are creating a nationwide offer that directly addresses everyday life and promotes safety for drivers as well as for all other road users," says Hanke.

The delivery service platforms Lieferando, foodora and Wolt will promote the voluntary training sessions through their platforms. The couriers' participation in the course is supported by the platforms with 50 euros.

"Lieferando Austria has always focused on bicycle and e-bike delivery. In line with our motto 'Safety first, pizza second', we welcome the new regulation and constructive collaboration with the Ministry of Mobility. Clear legal frameworks and targeted support measures are important to us to enhance road safety for everyone. We actively support our drivers in switching – including tailored information, safety campaigns, and e-bike leasing partnerships," says Natascha Mauthner, Managing Director of Lieferando Austria.

"The amendment creates clearer circumstances and ensures more safety on the roads. We are pleased to join with the ministry to support our riders in this transition with appropriate training programs, and we are happy to contribute to the financing of this project. Road safety is very important to us at foodora, so we have proactively taken steps before 1 October to prepare our riders for this change. Since June, we have been informing them about the new rules and have been traveling across Austria all summer with roadshows to answer their questions in person. From 1 October, our entire fleet will switch to bicycles and e-bikes, and we are investing a seven-figure sum to enable our riders to access high-quality e-bikes at attractive conditions," says Dragan Milovanovic, Managing Director of foodora Austria.

"Digital delivery platforms are becoming an increasingly important part of the local economy and vibrant city centers – with this comes our responsibility to contribute to safe mobility. Therefore, we support the important initiative of the Ministry of Mobility, ensuring delivery partners and all other road users are safe on the road," explains Joscha Domdey, Managing Director of Wolt Austria.

Intentionally delayed enactment from 1 October for drivers

The new regulations have been deliberately set to take effect from 1 October 2026, and not like the other parts of the amendment as early as 1 May 2026. This gave owners, especially those who use e-mopeds professionally, several additional months to adjust to the new requirements.

Mobility Minister Peter Hanke: "We deliberately chose the later date so that no one is faced with new requirements overnight. The additional months provided time for information, preparation, and the necessary transition."

"Currently, e-moped users in Austria still have knowledge gaps regarding the new regulations. A good understanding of traffic rules, mastering the vehicle safely, appropriate protective equipment, and consideration for others are essential building blocks from the KFV's perspective for accident prevention, ensuring all road users come through daily life as safely as possible," says Christian Schimanofsky, Director of the Board of Trustees for Traffic Safety (KFV).

E-mopeds are no longer bicycles – the last part of the Road Traffic Act (StVO) and Motor Vehicle Act amendment (KFG) is implemented

The new regulation eliminates a previous legal ambiguity: Vehicles of class L1e-B will now be uniformly treated as motor vehicles rather than bicycles. Consequently, e-mopeds are subject to the same traffic rules as conventional mopeds. At the same time, the use of cycle facilities by these vehicles is ended. 

"We want road traffic where it is clear which vehicle is allowed where, which rules apply, and where all vehicles are truly roadworthy. With the e-moped regulation, we create this clarity and link the new legal situation with information and concrete support," concludes Hanke.

With the enactment of the new "e-moped regulation", the final part of the announced Road Traffic Act and Motor Vehicle Act amendment by Mobility Minister Peter Hanke is implemented. Since May 2026, cities and municipalities have had the option to establish traffic-calmed zones and significantly stricter regulations apply to e-scooters. This comprehensive package is a significant step towards road safety in Austria and once again demonstrates the reform willingness in the mobility sector.