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They've become a familiar sight on Austrian cycle paths — especially the ones carrying a big food delivery box. But from October 1st, many e-mopeds will have to move onto the road, and their owners will face a much longer list of requirements.
Austria's rules for so-called e-mopeds change significantly on that date, when affected vehicles will no longer be treated as bicycles but as two-wheeled mopeds.
Riders will need a driving licence, insurance and a helmet, while the vehicle will need to be registered, display a number plate and undergo regular inspections.
But the ÖAMTC motorists' association warns that many owners may not have a practical way to register their existing vehicles.
The association estimates that at least 20,000 private users could be affected, in addition to commercial riders.
It is calling for a simplified registration system for existing vehicles, which it describes as a Zulassung light, as well as talks involving politicians, authorities, manufacturers and interest groups.
Why is the ÖAMTC warning of a 'de facto ban'?
From October 1st, affected e-mopeds must meet requirements including registration, motor liability insurance, a number plate, a driving licence, an approved moped or motorcycle helmet and regular §57a inspections, better known in Austria as the Pickerl.
The problem, according to the ÖAMTC, is that many e-mopeds which have until now been legally used as bicycles may not have the documents needed for straightforward registration.
The association says there is currently no practical way in many cases for owners to meet the new requirements quickly.
The ÖAMTC says that, for thousands of previously legal vehicles, the change amounts in practice to a ban on continued use.
The association estimates that at least 20,000 private users could be affected and says their vehicles could become practically worthless.
While delivery riders are among the most visible users, the ÖAMTC also pointed out that older people and people with reduced mobility use e-mopeds for everyday journeys.
Foodora has already said it will stop using e-mopeds and move its fleet entirely to bicycles and e-bikes.
The ÖAMTC is now asking the government to introduce a simplified approval procedure for existing vehicles and hold wider talks on micromobility rules, according to its September 14th statement.
The ÖAMTC's proposals have not changed the law.
Is my vehicle actually an e-moped?
The October rules don't apply to every electric bike or scooter.
The Austrian Mobility Ministry's guidance says the affected vehicles fall into the L1e-B category.
They include purely electric two-wheeled vehicles without pedals, as well as some models with pedals where the motor can propel the vehicle without you pedalling, for example through a throttle grip or lever.
Another important criterion is the vehicle's "R-point", a technical reference point for the seating position.
According to the ÖAMTC's current guidance, a vehicle with at least one designated seating position with an R-point of 540mm or less above the ground cannot be classified as L1e-B under the relevant EU regulation.
The ÖAMTC says such vehicles may continue to fall under the bicycle regime if they also remain within the applicable limits of 250 watts continuous rated power and a maximum design speed of 25 km/h.
And don't reach for a tape measure. Owners can't reliably determine the R-point themselves, according to the ÖAMTC.
The association recommends checking the vehicle documents or asking the manufacturer or importer if you're unsure.
Can I register my e-moped before October 1st?
That depends heavily on the vehicle and the documentation available.
According to the ÖAMTC, an L1e-B vehicle normally needs a Certificate of Conformity, or COC, to be entered in Austria's vehicle approval database.
If there is no COC, an individual approval, known in German as an Einzelgenehmigung, is necessary. This requires evidence that the vehicle meets the relevant EU technical requirements.
The association argues that the existing procedure isn't a realistic solution for many e-mopeds already in use and is asking for a simpler registration option specifically for existing L1e-B vehicles.
What driving licence do I need?
You will need at least a category AM licence, Austria's moped driving licence. The minimum age for AM is 15.
If you already have an Austrian category B driving licence, you don't need to obtain AM separately. Category B includes the AM entitlement, according to the Austrian government's driving-licence guidance.
READ ALSO: Can I take the Austrian driving licence test in English?
Where can e-mopeds be ridden from October?
On the road rather than cycling infrastructure.
The bicycle rules that previously applied to these vehicles will no longer apply.
Affected e-mopeds won't be allowed on cycle paths, cycle lanes or other cycling facilities. Riders also won't be able to use exemptions that allow cyclists to travel against the direction of a one-way street.
A compliant moped or motorcycle helmet will also become compulsory. A bicycle helmet isn't sufficient.
The October change doesn't apply to ordinary e-bikes or standard e-scooters.
General bicycle rules continue to apply to compliant e-bikes, while seatless e-scooters that meet the legal limits, including a maximum design speed of 25 km/h and maximum power of 600 watts, remain subject to separate e-scooter rules.
READ ALSO: Bikes, booze and sidewalks: 10 cycling myths you shouldn’t believe in Austria
What should owners do now?
If you use one of these vehicles, first establish whether it falls under the affected L1e-B category.
Then check whether you have a Certificate of Conformity and, if not, ask the manufacturer or importer what approval options are available.
The ÖAMTC is lobbying for a simpler solution, but the October 1st rules remain in force as planned.
Key vocabulary
Zulassung - vehicle registration
Zulassung light - simplified registration, the model proposed by the ÖAMTC
Einzelgenehmigung - individual vehicle approval
Haftpflichtversicherung - liability insurance
Kennzeichen - number plate
Pickerl - Austria's §57a vehicle inspection sticker
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