In Estonia, legislation on electric scooters has changed significantly in recent years to adapt to their growing popularity. The laws regulate how and where electric scooters can be used to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians. For example, legislation has established that electric scooters can be used on bicycle paths and lanes, but their use on sidewalks is strictly prohibited.
This means that if you decide to use an electric scooter, you need to be aware that riding in pedestrian areas can result in fines and dangerous situations. It is also important to note that the maximum speed of electric scooters is limited to 25 km/h. This restriction has been put in place to reduce the number of accidents and ensure that all road users feel safe.
Therefore, if you plan to use an electric scooter, make sure that it complies with legal requirements and that you observe speed limits. It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with local government regulations, as these may vary depending on your location.
Summary
- When riding an electric scooter, you must follow traffic laws and ride on bike paths or, if there are none, on the side of the road.
- Safety tips for riding an electric scooter include limiting speed, being alert, and using reflectors.
- Wearing a helmet when riding an electric scooter is not mandatory in Estonia, but it is recommended for safety reasons.
- Maintenance of electric scooters includes regular inspections, keeping brakes and lights in good working order, and charging the battery according to the instructions.
- When riding an electric scooter, you must follow the rules for pedestrians and cyclists and be considerate of others.
Traffic rules to follow when riding an electric scooter
When riding an electric scooter, it is extremely important to follow traffic rules to ensure your own safety and that of other road users. First, you should be aware that electric scooters must follow the same traffic rules as bicycles. This means that you must give way to pedestrians and obey traffic signs and signals.
It is also important to watch other road users and be careful at intersections and crosswalks. Secondly, when riding an electric scooter, you must be careful and not disturb other road users. This means that you must not ride too close to pedestrians or block bike lanes.
It is also advisable not to ride in groups, as this can cause confusion and dangerous situations. By following these rules, you will help ensure smooth and safe traffic for everyone.
Safety tips for riding an electric scooter
Safety is extremely important when riding an electric scooter. First, before riding, make sure your scooter is in good condition. Check the brakes, tires, and lights to make sure everything is working properly.
If you notice any problems, fix them before riding or find alternative transportation. It is also advisable to read the scooter's user manual to understand its features and limitations. Second, always be cautious and focus on the road when riding.
Avoid using smartphones or other distractions that may divert your attention. It is also advisable to wear bright clothing or reflectors, especially in the dark or in poor visibility conditions. By following these safety tips, you will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy your ride safely.
Wearing a helmet when riding an electric scooter: Is it mandatory?
Wearing a helmet when riding an electric scooter is a topic that often sparks debate. In Estonia, wearing a helmet is not legally mandatory for adults, but it is strongly recommended. A helmet protects your head in the event of a fall or accident and can reduce the risk of serious injury.
Therefore, even though the law does not require you to wear a helmet, you should consider wearing one for your own safety. However, stricter rules apply to children—those under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. This law has been enacted to protect children and ensure their safety in traffic.
If you are riding with children or letting them ride independently, make sure they wear helmets. Not only will this help prevent injuries, but it will also teach young riders the importance of safety.
Maintenance and safe use of electric scooters
Maintaining your electric scooter is an important part of using it safely. Regular maintenance helps prevent technical malfunctions and ensures a smooth ride. Start by checking the tire pressure – too low a pressure can affect the speed and braking ability of the vehicle.
Also, make sure that the brakes are working properly and that the lights are functional, especially in the dark. In addition to technical maintenance, it is also important to keep your scooter clean. Clean your scooter regularly to remove dirt and debris that could affect its performance.
Also, keep the kick scooter in a dry place and avoid using it in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow. If you take good care of your electric scooter, you will extend its service life and ensure your own safety.
Use of electric scooters in pedestrian areas and on cycle paths
Driving in pedestrian areas is dangerous
Riding in pedestrian areas can cause dangerous situations and cause concern among pedestrians. Therefore, it is important to respect the rights of pedestrians and only use kick scooters on bike paths or trails.
Riding on bike paths requires caution
When riding on bike paths, you must be careful and watch out for other road users. Although bike paths are intended for cyclists and scooters, you must always be mindful of others – such as cyclists and other scooters. Be prepared to give way and follow traffic signs and signals.
Compliance with the rules ensures safe traffic
By following these rules, you will help ensure smooth and safe traffic for everyone.
Electric scooter driving lessons and training courses
Using an electric scooter may seem easy, but it is still advisable to take part in driving lessons or training. Such programs will help you understand the characteristics of the scooter and teach you the rules of proper riding. During the training, you will also receive practical tips for safe riding and be able to practice various maneuvers in a safe environment.
In addition, many companies that rent electric scooters also offer short training sessions before you start riding. These courses can be useful for both beginners and experienced users who want to improve their skills. By participating in such courses, you will gain confidence and be better able to react to unexpected situations in traffic.
Insurance and liability for electric scooters in traffic
Insuring an electric scooter is not legally mandatory in Estonia, but it is a recommended step for anyone who plans to use a scooter regularly. Insurance helps protect you in the event of potential accidents and covers losses incurred by both you and other parties involved. Before choosing insurance, familiarize yourself with the various offers and choose the option that suits you best.
It is also important to understand your responsibilities in traffic. If you cause an accident or injure someone else due to your negligence, you may be liable for damages. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow all traffic rules and be cautious in all situations.
If you are aware of your responsibilities and take care of your own safety and that of others, you can enjoy riding your electric scooter with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electric scooter?
An electric kick scooter is a vehicle powered by an electric motor that can be controlled in a similar way to a bicycle, using your feet to push off.
Are there traffic rules for riding an electric scooter?
Yes, when riding an electric scooter, you must follow the same traffic rules as when riding a bicycle. This means that you must ride on the road or bike path and obey all traffic signs and signals.
Do you have to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter?
In Estonia, wearing a helmet when riding an electric scooter is not mandatory, but it is still recommended, especially for children and young people.
How to ensure safety when riding an electric scooter?
When riding an electric scooter, you should always follow traffic rules, wear a reflective vest or reflective strips, and be attentive to other road users. You should also make sure that the scooter is in good working order before setting off.
Is it permitted to use a mobile phone while riding an electric scooter?
The use of mobile phones while riding an electric scooter is prohibited, as it may distract your attention from traffic and increase the risk of accidents.

