Drunk e-scooter rider stopped in Wels – device reportedly traveling too fast

The 28-year-old Slovak was cooperative according to police. He stated that he had already been reprimanded once because of the scooter. According to police, this is already the second incident involving the man.

Cooperative rider with a prior history

The check took place in the city area of Wels. The bicycle street along the Traun is a frequently used traffic route used by cyclists and pedestrians. The officers responded to the rider's conspicuous riding behavior.

Technical specifications of the e-scooter

The legal classification of e-scooters in Austria depends on how fast the device can travel and what motor output it has. Devices with a design speed of more than 25 km/h are no longer considered simple bicycles and are treated accordingly differently.

With a design speed of 45 km/h and a peak output of 1,000 watts, the checked vehicle significantly exceeds these limits. The specific legal consequences resulting from the check were not initially released in detail by police.

Legal classification

Police also pointed out in their report that the riding behavior – fast riding and overtaking all other road users – had attracted the patrol's attention. Only this led to the check being carried out in the first place.

Overall, the incident illustrates that police in Wels also monitor compliance with traffic regulations in the area of e-scooters. The 28-year-old was not arrested after the check, but his case is being recorded.

E-scooters are a frequently used means of transportation in Austrian cities. Police regularly point out that alcohol at the handlebars significantly impairs the ability to drive even with vehicles that seem slower. At 0.76 per mille, the measured value is significantly above the 0.5 per mille limit applicable to bicycles and e-scooters.