ÖAMTC seeks easier registration after e-moped rule change

New rules barring e-mopeds from cycle paths and requiring registration and liability insurance have left many owners unable to register their vehicles, ORF reports. The ÖAMTC is criticising the short transition period and wants a simplified registration option.

The motoring organisation estimates that between 20,000 and 30,000 e-mopeds capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h are affected. Their owners cannot obtain the required registration, leaving the vehicles worthless, according to the ÖAMTC.

Matthias Nagler of the ÖAMTC’s legal service said the abrupt change could deprive people of significant sums. He argued that legal changes should respect people’s reliance on the rules in force and said a change with little or no transition time could amount to an infringement of property rights.

The ÖAMTC proposes “light registration” for private owners, questioning whether e-mopeds limited to 25 km/h should face the same registration and type-approval requirements as cars or motorcycles. It also suggested that insurance and registration could be made available through simpler procedures.

Nagler said the ÖAMTC is organising a round table with road-safety representatives to discuss a solution.