Austria requires licences and insurance for e-mopeds from Thursday

People riding electric mopeds in Austria will need a driving licence, insurance and a helmet from Thursday, and will be barred from cycle paths. ORF Vorarlberg reports that the vehicles will be subject to the same rules as mopeds with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h.

The changes apply to “e-mopeds”, defined in the report as e-bikes without pedal assistance. Until now, they were treated like bicycles if their maximum design speed did not exceed 25 km/h and their continuous rated power was no more than 250 watts.

The rules also require a number plate and regular roadworthiness inspections, known as the §57a check. At least an AM-category licence is required. Existing licences in categories A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE and F already include permission to ride a moped.

Michael Tagwerker, head of the driving schools group at the Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce, told ORF Vorarlberg that driving schools had not reported a rush of people seeking AM licences. The rules affect only certain mopeds, and there are not many of them in Vorarlberg, he said. Demand for moped licences is usually lower in autumn, with young people more likely to start training in spring. Increased checks are expected following the rule change.

Licence training and vehicle requirements

AM licence training can be taken at driving schools or mobility clubs. Training costs about 300 to 450 euros, with a further 90 euros payable to the authorities for production, issuing and delivery of the licence. The licence also covers conventional mopeds with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h and an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic centimetres. Mopeds with enclosed bodies and quads require separate practical training.

The AM course includes six 50-minute theory lessons and a multiple-choice theory test, plus eight 50-minute practical lessons. At least two practical lessons must take place in public traffic; the other six may be held partly or entirely on a practice area. There is currently no practical driving test. Applicants must be at least 15, although training can start two months earlier. Applicants under 16 need a parent or guardian’s consent. People over 20 when training begins also need a medical certificate, which costs 35 euros and must be issued by an authorised medical expert.

Mopeds must have two independently functioning brakes, a horn or permitted bell, at least one rear-view mirror, front and rear indicators, a working speedometer and an approved exhaust system. Tyres must have at least 1 millimetre of tread.

Vehicles must be registered at a registration office. Required documents generally include photo identification, proof of ownership, insurance confirmation and vehicle papers. Used vehicles also need a valid §57a inspection certificate. Under the current inspection schedule, the first check is due three years after initial registration, the next two years later and then annually. A new schedule of four years, followed by three two-year intervals and then annual checks, takes effect on 17 May 2027.

Anyone who does not meet the new requirements will no longer be allowed to ride an e-moped on public roads from 1 October. Penalties may apply to riders who break the rules.