The German Police Union (GdP) is calling for significantly expanded measures alongside the planned reform of liability rules for e-scooters, while acknowledging the initial draft proposed by Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD). While the union broadly welcomes the government’s initiative, they argue that the current proposals fall short of addressing the escalating challenges posed by the largely unregulated e-scooter landscape, particularly within major German cities.
The proposed legislation, aiming to hold e-scooter owners liable regardless of fault and introducing a presumption of negligence for riders, is viewed by GdP Vice President Michael Mertens as “only a part of a comprehensive solution”. Mertens, in comments to Handelsblatt, emphasized the need to move towards the ultimate goal of preventing e-scooter related accidents entirely. He advocates for legally binding regulations dictating designated parking areas – such as marked spaces – and outright prohibitions in hazardous locations, including sidewalks and pedestrian zones.
A key point of contention lies in the necessary coordination between the Justice Ministry’s draft and a parallel amendment to the Federal Motor Vehicle Ordinance currently being developed by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The GdP insists that both regulatory frameworks must be meticulously aligned to ensure a truly effective and pragmatic whole. Critics argue that a piecemeal approach risks creating loopholes and undermining the intended impact of the reforms.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has expressed support for Minister Hubig’s plans. Sebastian Steineke, the CDU’s consumer protection representative in the Bundestag, hailed the proposals as “good news for those affected by accidents” and emphasized the necessity of “fair liability rules” to provide adequate redress for victims. However, he also cautioned that a thorough review of the proposals would be undertaken.
The push for stricter e-scooter regulations highlights a broader debate within Germany surrounding the balance between innovation, urban mobility and public safety. The GdP’s call for comprehensive reform places considerable pressure on the Federal Council and Bundestag to strengthen the regulations and move beyond incremental changes to address the growing societal impact of e-scooter proliferation. The ability of the legislature to effectively reconcile competing interests will be a determining factor in shaping the future of urban transport within Germany.