Tag Archive: austria

  1. Austria introduces new StVO rules for e-scooters, e-bikes and electric mopeds

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    Sources: BMIMI, Gazeta Express, VisaHQ, Travel and Tour World

    Effective from 1 May 2026, Austria’s 36th amendment to the Road Traffic Act (StVO) has broad implications for micromobility use in the country. E-scooters are subject to a set of mandatory technical requirements, and younger riders of both e-scooters and e-bikes must wear helmets.

    Austria’s Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMINI) describes the changes as a “crucial step towards safe and future-proof mobility in Austria,” aiming to improve road safety and clarify rules for newer mobility modes following a rapid rise in shared mobility services, a demand for eco-friendly transport, and tourism-driven e-scooter usage.

    New e-scooter and e-bike rules

    Electric scooters must now be fitted with a working brake, turn signals on the ends of handlebars, a bell or horn, and a white front light and red rear light which must be activated in low-visibility conditions.

    Helmets will be mandatory for e-scooter riders up to the age of 16, and up to the age of 14 for e-bike riders.

    The carrying of passengers on e-scooters is prohibited, as is the carrying of heavy or bulky items on the vehicle’s handlebars. The allowable blood-alcohol limit for e-scooter riders is being lowered from 0.8 to 0.5 per mile.

    E-scooters continue to be allowed to use Austria’s cycling infrastructure, and can be ridden wherever cycling is allowed. It is expected that enforcement will intensify in pedestrian-heavy zones, with authorities monitoring misuse more closely.

    New electric moped rules

    The reformed act clarifies the status of e-mopeds, which had previously been in an ambiguous area. From 1 October 2026, they will be treated as motor vehicles in legal terms, and therefore not permitted on cycle paths. Users will need to register vehicles and obtain insurance coverage, hold a valid driving license, and comply with mandatory helmet laws. It is expected that this change may impact delivery services which have relied on this transport mode for last-mile logistics.

    Automated access controls

    The amendment legalises automated access controls in low-traffic zones, enabling cities to use camera-based systems to enforce congestion bans and delivery windows.

    Implications for shared mobility

    Shared mobility transport providers Lime and Tier have announced phased roll-outs of compliant models of their e-scooter fleets, with the expectation that there may be some temporary service gaps in core urban centres such as Vienna, Linz and Graz. In cities where visitors often rely on e-scooters for sightseeing purposes, it is hoped that the regulatory clarity will enhance both safety and user confidence.

  2. Austrian bicycle market sees e-bikes at a new 57.3% market share high

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    Source: Bike EU

    The Austrian bicycle industry’s sales figures have been released by the Association of Austrian Sporting Goods Manufacturers and Retailers (VSSÖ) and its subsidiary ARGE Fahrrad, revealing that e-bikes represent substantially more than half the units sold, and almost 80% of the total revenue.

    The overall market has remained relatively stable year-on-year, with approximately 389,000 units sold, representing a slight dip of 1.7% of bikes delivered to specialty retailers. The units sold break down as 166,270 bicycles and 222,730 e-bikes, seeing the market share of electrically assisted bikes reach a new high of 57.3%. Total revenue reached €1.097 billion (an increase of 3.9% compared to 2024), of which €866.63 million (79%) was generated by e-bikes.

    The average price of e-bikes also saw a positive result, rising by 7.5% to €3,891, while non-electric bikes’ average price dropped by 1.4%.

    The segments of e-bike seeing the strongest sales include e-trekking, eMTBs of all kinds (full suspension, hardtail and lite), and e-gravel.

    The effects of the political framework can be considered in the sales figures. Austria’s federal states which established legal and organisational frameworks around company bike leasing in good time were able to prompt above-average usage. The e-cargo and e-folding segments both saw declining sales, which may be linked to the reduction or delay of targeted subsidy programmes, demonstrating the influence that policy can have on sales.

  3. Austria funds e-mobility for private individuals

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    Source: Klima- und Energiefonds

    Austria’s Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) is releasing additional funding to support private individuals in transitioning to electric mobility, with up to €1,800 available for the purchase of new electric mopeds and motorcycles, and the cost of installing charging infrastructure also offset.

    The funding comes under the “E-Mobility for Private Individuals” program, which is is part of BMIMI’S “eMove Austria” initiative, which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of Austria’s transport system.

    The submission period for the funding is open while funds are available and will close on 31 March 2026. Full details of the scheme are outlined here, and the headline details are that:

    • New L1e class vehicles (electric mopeds) are eligible for funding of €600
    • New L3e A1 class vehicles (electric motorcycles with less than 11kW of power) are eligible for funding of €1,200
    • New L3e A2 & A3 class vehicles (electric motorcycles with more than 11kW of power) are eligible for funding of €1,800
    • Wallbox charging for a single- or two-family house is eligible for funding of €400
    • Single-system wallbox charging in an apartment building is eligible for funding of €800
    • A community charging system in an apartment building is eligible for funding of €1,500

    Submissions for two-wheeler funding can be placed here, and for charging infrastructure here.

  4. Austria incentivises sustainable mobility with subsidies and bike repair scheme

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    Source: RadMarkt

    Austria’s bicycle industry is anticipating positive results from upcoming political developments, with a new subsidy for e-bikes and traditional bikes being discussed, and the reintroduction of the popular Reparaturbonus (repair bonus) for electrical items including e-bikes and, more recently, non-electric bikes.

    Subsidies for e-bikes and bikes

    The federal budget for 2025/26 was approved in June, followed by discussions on the structure of the Klimaaktiv Mobil funding program. An initial coordination meeting between Austria’s Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure and representatives of the bicycle retail trade were scheduled for July 30, with a goal of establishing cooperation within the e-bike and bike funding program’s framework. The aim is to create incentives for sustainable mobility in the coming year.

    Return of the repair bonus

    The repair bonus scheme was temporarily suspended in May 2025 when funds were exhausted. The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection has now advised that the program will resume towards the end of this year. Alongside other electrical items, e-bikes are eligible for reimbursement through the program, and since September 2023, traditional bicycles have also been included. VSSÖ, the Association of Austrian Sporting Goods Manufacturers and Retailers, advocates for equal treatment of all repair shops under the scheme, ensuring that those which are not exclusively operating in the bicycle sector are eligible – thereby broadening the reach of the program.

    Austria’s Bicycle Regulations

    Potential amendments to Austria’s Bicycle Regulations are also under discussion. With a goal of improved, practical regulations, key points include alignment with European product standards and vehicle types, alongside the use of trailers for the transportation of children and cargo.

  5. E-bikes account for majority of the Austrian bicycle market

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    Source: Saz Bike

    Austria’s Arge Fahrrad bicycle association has published its 2024 sales figure for the Austrian market, reporting the region as having the largest share of e-bikes in Europe.

    After the number of e-bikes sold surpassed non-electric bikes for the first time in 2023, sales figures have since increased by 5% for 2024, accounting for 57% of the overall Austrian bike market, equating to the highest share in Europe. Meanwhile, in Germany e-bikes took up 53% of its market in 2024.

    Austrian bicycle market in recent years

    As the German bicycle market experienced a decline in 2024, its neighbouring country Austria also had a slight decline in bicycles sold compared to the previous year (-6.1%). However, the Austrian market has had an overly positive year like previous years, with 2024 sales generating €1.055 billion, the fourth time in a row that Austria’s market has exceeded one billion Euros.

    The role of subsidies in Austrian bicycle sales

    Although many countries have experienced challenging economic conditions since the pandemic, following Austria’s introduction of subsidies it has experienced a continued uptick in e-folding and e-cargo bike sales, with a sixfold increase in the number of company bicycles since 2022.

    Until 2024, Austria’s e-mobility initiative, a joint cooperation of the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection with the sports and bicycle trade, offered up to €900 in subsidies towards the purchase of a new e-cargo bike and up to €500 for an e-folding bike, resulting in 13,300 electric bicycles being subsidized. From these positive increases, the Arge Fahrrad (Bicycle Working Group) is hoping for an extension in subsidies.

    Bicycle industry stakeholders campaign for an extension in e-bike subsidies

    Hans-Jürgen Schoder, spokesperson for the Arge Fahrrad, commented on the status of the overall bicycle market, with recommendations on how to strengthen it. “We predicted the decline due to the challenging economic conditions, which naturally have a negative impact on consumers’ purchasing power. But it is significantly smaller than expected; especially with e-bikes, we have some strongly growing segments, which makes us very confident. This makes it all the more necessary to create a political framework that will strengthen domestic purchasing power and get the economy going”.

    Michael Nendwich, spokesperson for the sporting goods trade at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and managing director of the VSSÖ has commented on the need for subsidies to continue: “On the one hand, there is strong demand and added value in the domestic sports and bicycle trade. On the other hand, there has been a strong increase in sustainable electromobility for commuters, transport, and many other journeys using e-bikes for years. This is a tandem that must absolutely continue on the road to success. Reviving the successful subsidy models for (e-)folding bikes and (e-)cargo bikes, which expired last year, is imperative. These are a game changer for sustainable mobility – even in an economically difficult year with cautious consumers. The repair bonus also contributes to the bicycle trend,”

    Anticipated Austrian bicycle market status for 2025

    Schoder from Arge Fahrrad maintains an optimistic outlook for the current season for the industry and retail as other bicycle markets are also increasing their market share. “The bicycle is not only an important and reliable economic factor in Austria, but also a consistent trendsetter. E-mountain bikes have been stable for years and are even still slightly increasing at a high level. The fact that we are still able to gain market share and new fans for gravel bikes (+12.7 percent) and road bikes (+20.8 percent), even in economically difficult times, makes us confident for the future. The initial feedback from our retailers regarding Easter business is also cautiously optimistic. Industry and retail have done their homework, are always in close contact with our consumers, and we hope for another strong year for cycling in 2025,” Schoder concludes.

  6. Study highlights potential for safer cycling in the DACH region

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    Source: SAZ BIKE

    A recent cross-border study conducted in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland has investigated methods to enhance cycling safety in confined spaces.

    The research, undertaken as part of the Radbest project, focused on the overtaking distance of motor vehicles when passing cyclists, revealing significant disparities in adherence to prescribed safety measures.

    Measuring overtaking distances

    The study employed specialized bicycles fitted with multiple sensors to measure the lateral distance maintained by motor vehicles during overtaking maneuvers. Over 7,000 instances of overtaking were analyzed across the three countries. While Germany and Austria mandate a minimum overtaking distance of 1.5 meters, Switzerland lacks such a regulation. The findings indicate that, despite existing laws in Germany and Austria, cyclists are frequently overtaken with insufficient space. In Switzerland, where no minimum distance is enforced, the prescribed safe distance was even more frequently undercut.

    Perceived danger and cycling behavior

    The study’s findings suggest that inadequate overtaking distances contribute to a widespread perception of cycling as unsafe, which discourages many individuals from using bicycles as a primary means of transport. Survey responses from cyclists using the test routes highlighted that a significant portion of the population views cycling as a risky activity. Notably, the statement “Cycling on the road requires courage” found stronger agreement among Swiss respondents compared to their German and Austrian counterparts, reflecting a heightened sense of vulnerability among cyclists in Switzerland.

    Proposed safety measures

    Given the challenges of ensuring cyclist safety in constrained urban environments, the Radbest researchers emphasize that there is no single optimal solution. Instead, they recommend a tailored approach based on specific spatial limitations. One proposed measure involves the introduction of narrow core lanes with wide bike lanes on both sides. However, the study also cautions that roads featuring two-sided cycling lanes without a central guiding line tend to result in significantly more close passes by vehicles.

    As an additional safety measure, the researchers advocate for the clear marking of designated cycling spaces and the enforcement of a speed limit of 30 km/h in areas with limited road width. These measures, they argue, could help mitigate the risks associated with cycling in confined spaces and encourage more people to consider bicycles as a viable and safe mode of transportation.

    The Radbest study underscores the necessity of continued efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and regulations across the DACH region. By addressing safety concerns, policymakers can foster a more inclusive and cyclist-friendly transport environment, potentially increasing bicycle usage and promoting sustainable urban mobility.

  7. Vienna to overhaul city-centre e-scooter ecosystem

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    Source: TheMayor.eu

    The number of e-scooters in the city centre will be severely restricted, parking rules will be updated, and speed limits will be reduced in this major regulation shift

    The new regulations are set to come into effect in May 2023, while the local council will vote on the package of measures in December. This policy change has come about following the increase from 2018-2021 in both e-scooter-related injuries (1,025 to 2,560) and deaths (17 to 24). Many of the incoming regulations will therefore focus on improving safety for both riders and pedestrians.

    The expected changes can be grouped into three main categories:

    City centre e-Scooter distribution

    Perhaps the largest policy change regards a proposed restriction of max. 500 e-scooters in the city centre at any given time; this is extremely restrictive when considering the current average of approx. 1,500. According to City Councilor for Mobility, Ulli Sima, this type of mobility is very useful for last-leg journeys and authorities are trying to position them in metro stops in residential areas and push ride-sharing providers to cover more parts of the city.

    e-Scooter parking regulation

    A further key policy change is to ban the parking of e-scooters on sidewalks. Currently, sidewalk usage as a parking location is reducing pedestrianised space to the detriment of other city-goers. To combat this, the city will create special parking zones and rely upon micromobility providers to enforce suitable parking amongst their riders. Repeat violations of parking policy may result in the micromobility provider having its operating license revoked.

    Riding restrictions

    Finally, who can use the devices, and the way in which they can ride will be altered. Riding speed is set to be reduced from 25 km/h to 20km/h, while a minimum age limit of 12 years will be imposed. It is worth noting that this is significantly lower than the age limit seen in many other European countries (Germany = 14, UK = 17).