Markíza brings a report on the new rules for electric e-scooters: From September, hefty fines could arrive

Electric e-scooters have become a normal part of cities in recent years, but at the same time a huge gray area has formed around them. Many models can handle speeds well above 25 km/h, some riders use them on sidewalks among pedestrians, and the rules were not always clear enough. That is set to change from 1 September 2026. As motor journalist Erik Stríž, explained in an interview for TN live, the amendment to the law will bring a clearer classification of electric e-scooters and tougher consequences for those who ride unlocked or too-fast machines. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that small electric vehicles will have to have a manufacturer’s label, must not exceed a speed of 25 km/h, and must not have a seat.

The biggest change concerns powerful e-scooters, which you can often see in cities today as well as outside them. Models with a design speed from 25 to 45 km/h will no longer be able to ride legally on public roads like regular e-scooters. In practice, this means that rugged off-road machines or unlocked models will remain usable mainly on private property, or outside public traffic. Using a vehicle that does not meet the requirements of the new category will be treated as a serious offence.

Unlocked e-scooters will be a major problem

The issue of unlocked e-scooters is also very important. Many common models are sold with a 25 km/h limit, but users unlock them via software or mechanically to higher speeds. According to Erik Stríž’s explanation, such machines will need to be returned to their original state. So it won’t be enough to ride slowly if the e-scooter itself is technically capable of going faster than the law allows.

The police, however, won’t rely only on classic radar speed checks. The interview mentioned that checking the design speed is also planned, for example using mobile roller test equipment. This could be uncomfortable for everyone who has a powerful e-scooter at home, but is counting on the fact that during the check it will simply go slower.

Sidewalks will no longer be a place for fast riding

Another major change is riding on sidewalks. Riders will be able to move on them only at walking speed—roughly up to 6 km/h. If someone wants to go faster, they should use the cycle path, cycle lane, or the right shoulder of the road. The goal is to improve pedestrian safety, because a meeting with a pedestrian and an e-scooter going 20 or 25 km/h can end very unpleasantly.

The problem is that Slovak urban infrastructure is not always ready for this. Erik Stríž pointed especially to potholes, narrow drain grates, missing bike lanes, and the risk of riding among cars. The small wheels of e-scooters are more sensitive to uneven surfaces than bicycles, so moving from sidewalks to the road can be a safety challenge in some cities.

Fines can be seriously harsh

Typical fines for offences are expected to be roughly from €20 to €150. However, for a more serious breach of the rules, the penalty can be significantly tougher. If it involves riding an unlocked or design-unapproved scooter, in extreme cases fines in the hundreds of euros and a ban on activities are mentioned. Media also point out that with fast scooters above 25 km/h, a rider could risk a ban on activities as well—which is especially sensitive for people with a driver’s licence for a car.

For a regular rider, it boils down to a simple rule: if you have an e-scooter that from the factory—or after modifications—can handle more than 25 km/h, you should check its condition before September. The safest option is to bring it back within the limit and be sure it meets the new definition of a small electric vehicle.

Alcohol, helmet and equipment

For alcohol, electric e-scooters will follow a similar regime as cyclists. In built-up areas, a limit of up to 0.5 per mille is tolerated, but Erik Stríž recommended a clear zero-tolerance approach in the interview. An e-scooter may be small, but a fall at 20 to 25 km/h can end in a fracture, concussion, or facial injury.

According to available information, the amendment does not introduce a mandatory helmet or a reflective vest for adult riders on standard e-scooters. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them. A helmet, gloves, and reflective elements are among the cheapest ways to significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

The changes don’t apply only to e-scooters.

The amendment to the Road Traffic Act also covers other areas. Children will be able to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk up to a higher age—specifically, the age limit increases from 10 to 14 years. The law also, for the first time, defines a bicycle more precisely as a two-wheeled vehicle with pedals powered by muscle strength. Changes will also come to driving schools, where instruction should be divided more strictly into theory and the subsequent practical training.

For fans of electric mobility, however, the most important thing is that fast scooters are moving into the grey zone. From September, it will be much clearer what is still a standard electric scooter and what is a vehicle that does not belong in public traffic without meeting additional conditions. For riders, that means fewer excuses—but with sensible rule settings, safer streets too.

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