New rules for electric mopeds: stricter regulations to apply from 1 October 2026

So-called e-mopeds will be subject to new statutory regulations in Austria from 1 October 2026. Following the amendment to the Road Traffic Regulation (StVO) and the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG), these vehicles will no longer be classified as bicycles, but as motor vehicles. The aim of the new regulation is to increase safety on cycle paths and provide greater clarity for road users.

From 1 October 2026, single-track vehicles in category L1e-B will also be considered mopeds as defined in the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG) 1967 – there will then be no distinction between “conventional” mopeds and e-mopeds.

The decisive factor in determining whether a vehicle is classified as an “e-moped” is the height of the seat: vehicles in which the R-point (Seating Reference Point) is located at a height of ≤540 mm when the driver is seated do not fall within the scope of the EU Regulation.

E-mopeds no longer allowed to use cycle paths

The most important change: from 1 October 2026, e-mopeds will no longer be permitted to use cycle tracks, cycle lanes or other cycling facilities. Instead, they must exclusively use the road – just like conventional mopeds.

Driving licence, helmet and number plate to become obligatory

Following their classification as a motor vehicle, e-mopeds will be subject to the same regulations as mopeds. Specifically, this means that a driving licence (at least category AM), insurance, a licence plate, a regular § 57a inspection (“Pickerl”) and a helmet will be required to ride an e-moped.

Accordingly, the following are mandatory:

• Holding a driving licence
• Wearing a helmet
• Displaying a number plate
• Vehicle registration requirement or the requirement to obtain authorisation for the vehicle

Which vehicles are affected?

Vehicles in category L1e-B are considered e-mopeds. These include:

• purely electrically powered two-wheeled vehicles without pedals,
• as well as models with pedals where the electric motor can also be activated without pedalling via a throttle grip or lever.

In future, these vehicles will be treated as motor vehicles for legal purposes, regardless of their previous use.

Multi-track electric vehicles that comply with the speed and performance limits set out in Sec. 1(2a) KFG 1967 are not classified as motor vehicles. In particular, this applies to so-called “mobility scooters for seniors”, for which the 36th StVO amendment changes nothing. The provisions regarding electric bicycles that feature a pushing or starting aid that enables them to be propelled solely by electric power at walking speed also remain in force.