Road traffic regulations also apply to electric scooters. A violation can be expensive.
The dark season means poor visibility and increased risk of accidents for all road users. In November and December 2017, around 32 percent of traffic accidents involving personal injury occurred during the dark hours, the highest level during the year.
Cyclists, in particular, are required: damp foliage and wet, smooth tram rails increase the risk of falling, fog and twilight obscure the view. “Cyclists should definitely pay attention to function lighting and good visibility,” says ÖAMTC lawyer Guthrie.
In the same way, he sees the handlebars of e-scooters. The same rules apply to the battery-powered scooters as to cyclists, because if they do not exceed a maximum output of 600 watts and a maximum speed of 25km / h, they are considered e-bikes.
Check lighting regularly – “lack of light” costs up to 726 euros
According to the regulation, bicycles must have a white reflector at the front and a red reflector at the back. The reflectors must be mounted individually or integrated into the headlamp. On the pedals, front and rear reflectors are a must.
“Also prescribed are yellow or white cat eyes or reflector sticks on the wheels,” says the ÖAMTC lawyer. “Alternatively, tires with reflective borders are possible.” For electric scooters, the lighting regulations also apply according to their design. The expert recommends: “The condition and optimal function of the lighting should be checked regularly.”
“In principle, drivers of bicycles and e-bikes, including e-scooters, are not obliged to use headlights or red taillights in daylight and good visibility – but in the case of obstruction and darkness,” says lawyer Guthrie.
“Anyone who does not abide by the rules of risks not only the safety of themselves and others but for poorly equipped and unlit bicycles can be up to a penalty of 726 € imposed.” If you cause an accident with the personal injury because of bad or missing lighting, you also have to reckon with claims for damages and a judicial criminal procedure.
Helmet and reflectors must-haves for handlebars
Rules for the equipment of the driver itself does not exist. “Although a helmet is not mandatory for adults in Austria, it protects against serious head injuries in the event of an accident and should be part of the basic equipment – even more so in the dark season,” advises the ÖAMTC expert.
If a cyclist “falls under race conditions” without a helmet to fall and suffers skull injuries, he can even make a contributory negligence.
To be even more visible, it is essential to attach reflective materials to clothing or wear a safety vest. “Every supplemental aid, be it through headlamps or LED lights, makes sense, but it’s important to remember that this does not dazzle oncoming traffic,” says the expert.
Reflective tapes for clothing and safety vests, for example, can be found at all Mobility Club bases – there are many other “little helpers” for more visibility, such as armband and leg bandages and reflective pendants.