Even though the market for electric skateboards may seem new to some, it is one that is expanding quickly. Europe is experiencing the electric skateboard craze, and everyone wants to join. Before you embrace the trend, it’s best to learn the rules regarding electric skateboards in your country. Is it even legal for anyone to use electric skateboards in Europe? In Europe, there are no general rules regarding electric skateboards. Every country has its own set of rules, and each city may even have its own rules in certain cases.
Here are the rules regarding electric skateboards in some of the major countries in Europe. We suggest wearing a helmet even when it is not legally required where you are.
Austria
Yes. Under the toy vehicles by law, hoverboards and other small electric vehicles are permitted on the sidewalks, but only if they don’t risk other people’s safety. It makes more sense to ride an electric skateboard on the road than on the sidewalk since its power is comparable to that of an electric scooter. However, as the law still does not recognize electric skateboards, you should proceed with extreme caution if you decide to ride your electric skateboard on the road.
Belgium
Yes. Electric skateboard is allowed to ride in Belgium. They are treated the same as bicycles. Riders must be at least 18 years old and may only be used on bike routes with a speed limit of 20 km/h.
Croatia
Unclear. Rules regarding electric skateboards in Croatia are still grey. Croatian legislation has not yet specifically classified electric skateboards, but they are permitted on sidewalks and bike lanes. The maximum speed for electric bicycles in Croatia is 1/4 kW, but the maximum speed for all other vehicles without pedals, such as electric skateboards, is 4 kW, or 45 km/h. They are generally allowed in bike lanes and sidewalks, although the legislation has not yet established the exact restrictions.
Czechia
Unclear. Rules regarding electric skateboards in Czechia are also grey. The Czechia Road Traffic Act does not mention any electric or powered personal vehicles, including skateboards, scooters, or bikes.
Denmark
Yes. Electric skateboards are legal to ride in Denmark with some restrictions. They are limited to a top speed of 20 km/h, the riders must be at least 15 years old, and there must be lights on the rider or skateboard at any time.
Estonia
Yes. Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs is working on drafting appropriate e-scooter and e-skateboard laws. The proposed change will amend the 2013 Traffic Act. Riders would be required under this amendment to:
- Speed limit 20 km/h
- You need to be at least 16 years old if you want to ride
- Ride with a helmet on
- Forbidden on sidewalks
Finland
Yes. Electric skateboards are legal to ride in Finland. They are treated the same as bicycles, with a speed limit of 25 km/h and a power limit of 1000W. A front light, reflectors, and an audio warning device are also required.
France
Yes. Electric skateboards are legal to ride in France. They are allowed to ride on roads where the speed limit is no more than 50 km/h. Riders must be at least 12 years old, with a speed limit of 25 km/h.
Germany
No. Electric skateboards are not permitted in Germany since they require handlebars, a registration, a number plate, and insurance, which electric skateboards do not have.
Greece
Unclear. Electric skateboards are currently not legal in Greece, but they are in the process of becoming legal.
Iceland
Unclear. There are currently no specific rules regarding electric skateboarding in Iceland. Ride safely and, where possible, consult with local traffic officials.
Ireland
No. Electric skateboards are not allowed in Ireland. In Ireland, electric skateboards are classified as MPV (Mechanically Powered Vehicles), which require tax, insurance, roadworthiness, and registration. For now, insurance is not possible for electric skateboards, so it is illegal to ride them in Ireland.
Italy
No. Electric skateboards are not allowed in Italy. Except for electric skateboards, almost all other forms of personal electric transportation were categorized in their new micro-mobility edict. The police would probably be a little more tolerant of the law in this case because electric skateboards are not unlike these other electric vehicles
Lithuania
Unclear. The Lithuanian laws do not address electric boards, but they do allow ebikes and escooters with a maximum power of 250W. Although it is not against the law to ride on the sidewalk, it is advised to ride on bike roads wherever possible.
Netherlands
No. At the moment, only bicycles are allowed in the Netherlands. Electric skateboards are treated as toys in the Neverlands and are not for use on public roads.
Norway
Yes. Electric skateboards are legal to ride in Norway. They are given the same rules as bicycles and need to be used on bike lanes. The speed is limited to 20 km/h, and you’ll need reflectors, headlights, taillights, a specified level of braking power, and a signal horn or bell.
Monaco
No. Similar to roller skaters and other varieties of scooters, electric skateboards are not permitted on sidewalks or public roadways in Monaco. To prevent injuries to pedestrians and skaters from speeding vehicles, they are only permitted on a few national promenades.
Poland
Unclear. Electric skateboards are currently not legal in Poland, but new proposals regarding electric skateboards are underway. The proposals will let you ride electric skateboards with a speed limit of 25 km/h.
Portugal
Yes. Although there are no clear rules on electric skateboards in Portugal, it won’t be very long before they are completely legal in Portugal with their plans to encourage e-vehicles.
Spain
Yes. Electric skateboards are legal to ride in Spain, but because the laws differ from city to city, it’s crucial to check them out beforehand.
Sweden
Yes. Electric skateboards are legal to ride in Sweden and are recently classified as bikes. You must have lights and a bell to ride with a maximum speed of 20 km/h and a maximum power of 250W.
Switzerland
No. Unfortunately, electric skateboards are not allowed in Switzerland, and the police can take your electric skateboards away if you are caught.
United Kingdom
No. It is still a grey area in UK’s laws regarding electric skateboards, but hoverboards, onewheels and electric scooters are all prohibited in public spaces. Watch carefully since the UK police like fining you heavily if caught.
