Police find tuned e-scooters capable of 80 km/h

Vorarlberg police have found several tuned e-scooters capable of speeds of 80 km/h or more since new rules took effect in May, ORF reported. Most were bought online rather than from specialist retailers, according to the provincial traffic department.

Peter Rüscher of the provincial traffic department said several province-wide targeted checks had been carried out since May and would continue. District-level traffic checks and patrol inspections are also being conducted. Authorities did not provide exact figures for the reports submitted so far.

Police repeatedly find e-scooters capable of significantly exceeding the permitted speed of 25 km/h. Rüscher said the motor output of many vehicles also exceeded the permitted 600 watts.

Rüscher said the helmet requirement for riders up to the age of 16 had been implemented quickly by a substantial proportion of road users. However, equipment remained an issue. Many scooters had since been fitted with indicators, lights, bells and horns, but some required equipment was still missing.

Checks during the first half of the year also found a sharp increase in e-scooter riders who had consumed drugs. Police removed 17 drug-impaired riders from traffic. Twelve riders were found to be under the influence of alcohol, a significant decrease.