E-scooter Tuning: Dangers, Regulations, and Sanctions
Since 2019, e-scooters have been officially approved for road traffic as electric small vehicles – but only with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. We also adhered to this during the development of Moovi e-scooters. Is 20 km/h too slow for you, and do you want to tune your e-scooter? Then caution is advised. In this magazine, we present possibilities for e-scooter tuning, but above all, we also explain the dangers, regulations, and sanctions.
E-scooter Tuning: How is it done?
Do you want to pimp your e-scooter and ride faster than 20 km/h? Then you basically have several options to tune your scooter. For example, you can use special apps for this, install tuning modules or chips, or – if you have technical knowledge – even replace the motor. However, keep in mind that this is always associated with certain costs and efforts.
Regulations and Sanctions for E-scooter Tuning: What is allowed?
The basic rule for e-scooter tuning is: not everything that is technically possible is also allowed. Simple cosmetic changes, such as repainting the color or attaching stickers, are permitted. However, if it concerns lighting devices, brakes, or the bell, which serve safety in road traffic, changes are not allowed. It becomes particularly delicate if you want to tamper with your e-scooter and make it go faster than the permitted 20 km/h.
In principle, you can tune and derestrict your e-scooter using various methods, but then you can only ride it on private property and no longer in road traffic. Tuning causes your e-scooter to lose its insurance coverage and thus its road approval in Germany.
Penalties: What Sanctions for E-scooter Tuning?
Should you have derestricted your e-scooter beyond the permitted speed and be caught with it in public road traffic, you face legal sanctions. If the e-scooter goes faster than 20 km/h, the road approval and compulsory insurance coverage automatically expire. Riding an e-scooter without road approval is punishable by fines of 70 euros. Riding an electric scooter without insurance coverage is not only an administrative offense but also a criminal offense. Upon conviction, this can result in a prison sentence of up to one year, three points in Flensburg, and revocation of the driving license.
The Dangers of E-scooter Tuning: Safety First
Even if you only want to use your tuned e-scooter on private property, you should be aware of the dangers of e-scooter tuning. Depending on the method chosen, your e-scooter can reach a top speed of between 35 and 85 km/h without restriction. The braking distance also changes. Furthermore, warranty rights, liability claims, and the manufacturer's guarantee expire.
Conclusion: E-scooter Tuning – Is it worth it?
Our clear conclusion: Stay away from e-scooter tuning! If you absolutely want to ride a faster scooter for private use, it's better to choose models without road approval and without restriction directly.