An indicator on an e-scooter may look like a minor detail. From 2027, however, it becomes mandatory for newly produced electric micro vehicles, and multi-axle scooters must also have separately operated front and rear brakes. This guide explains which vehicles the rules cover, what applies to scooters already on the road, and what to check when you buy.
Short answer: The amendment to the Electric Micro Vehicle Regulation requires direction indicators from 2027 for newly produced electric micro vehicles. Multi-axle vehicles, mainly e-kick scooters, need independently operating front and rear brakes. Vehicles already in use may continue to be used. Last updated: November 2026.
What matters most
- The indicator requirement applies from the year 2027 to newly produced electric micro vehicles.
- The Federal Ministry of Transport names the year 2027 for indicators and brakes, not an exact day.
- Multi-axle scooters need separately operating front and rear wheel brakes, and the deceleration is also tested in wet conditions.
- Vehicles placed on the market before 2027 may continue to be used and do not have to be retrofitted.
- Vehicles with a general or individual operating permit are exempt from retrofitting.
Which equipment becomes mandatory?
The amendment sets out two technical points that apply to new scooters. The first concerns direction indicators, that is the blinkers. The second concerns the brakes of vehicles with several axles. The overview below shows what applies and to which vehicles.
| Equipment | Applies from | Affected vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Direction indicators (blinkers) | From the year 2027 | Newly produced electric micro vehicles |
| Independent front and rear wheel brake | From the year 2027 | Multi-axle vehicles, mainly e-kick scooters |
| Deceleration also tested in wet conditions | From the year 2027 | Multi-axle vehicles |
| Vehicles already in use | No change | Vehicles placed on the market by 2027 |
These details come from the explanations of the Federal Ministry of Transport. The explanation does not name an exact day within 2027. Do not rely on reports that name a day, but on the regulation text in the Federal Law Gazette.
Why the indicator requirement affects new scooters
The indicator requirement is linked to the date a vehicle is placed on the market and to its model year. The rule therefore applies to scooters that are newly produced. A scooter that has already reached the market is not covered. This also holds if you buy it later, as long as it was placed on the market before 2027.
For you as a buyer, this means that a used scooter from 2026 can generally continue to be used. If you buy a new scooter, that is a newly produced vehicle from 2027, you should have the indicators and brakes checked explicitly with the dealer.
What applies to scooters already on the road?
Nothing changes for existing scooters. The ministry makes clear that vehicles placed on the market before 2027 that do not yet meet the new requirements may continue to be used. There is no duty to retrofit. The new technical rules refer to vehicles from model year 2027 onwards.
An exception applies to vehicles with a general operating permit or an individual operating permit. They do not have to be retrofitted either. This is practical for students, because many scooters in use were bought before 2027. No conversion is needed for them.
Brakes on multi-axle scooters
Multi-axle vehicles will need a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake that work independently of each other. In addition, deceleration is tested in wet conditions. This mainly affects e-kick scooters with several wheels.
In everyday use, this means you should not rely on the rear brake alone. If you ride a multi-axle scooter, have the brakes checked regularly, regardless of the equipment requirement. A sticking brake lever or worn pads are a safety problem that no regulation replaces.
Whether a scooter has several axles can usually be seen from its design. A common e-kick scooter with a front and a rear wheel has two axles and therefore falls under the rule for multi-axle vehicles. If you are not clear about the number of axles, ask the manufacturer directly before you rely on the brake rule.
What to check when you buy
You do not always see at first glance whether a new scooter meets the requirements. The checklist below helps you clarify the key points before purchase. It does not replace the manufacturer’s information, but it quickly points you to the right questions.
- Ask for the production date or model year of the vehicle.
- Check whether direction indicators are fitted as standard and how they are operated.
- For multi-axle scooters, have the seller confirm that front and rear brakes act separately.
- Have the equipment confirmed in writing in the purchase contract.
- For an older model, check whether a general or individual operating permit exists.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retrofit my current scooter with an indicator?
According to the ministry, no. Existing vehicles may continue to be used, and no retrofit obligation is planned. If you want to retrofit voluntarily, check with the dealer in advance whether the conversion affects the registration or operating permit.
Does the indicator requirement also apply to rental scooters?
The requirement concerns newly produced vehicles. Whether a provider replaces its scooters depends on its fleet and its contracts. Ask the provider which equipment its scooters have and whether they carry indicators.
What happens if a scooter without an indicator is sold from 2027?
We do not name consequences here, because the regulation has to settle the responsibilities of manufacturers and dealers in detail. For you as a buyer, what counts is that you clarify the equipment in writing before purchase. If you are unsure, have the seller confirm the details.
Does the rule on separate brakes apply to single-axle scooters?
The rule on separate brakes concerns multi-axle vehicles. According to the ministry’s explanation, single-axle scooters are not affected in the same way. Still, make sure the brake works, because it is a safety matter independent of any regulation.
Where do I find the exact wording?
The official source is the Federal Law Gazette, in which the amendment was promulgated on 6 February 2026. The ministry’s explanation helps you get started, but it does not replace the text of the regulation.
So what do you do now
- Find out whether your current scooter was placed on the market before 2027.
- If you plan to buy, check indicators and brakes before you sign and have the details confirmed in writing.
- Have the brakes of multi-axle scooters checked regularly, regardless of the requirement.
- Follow the regulation text in the Federal Law Gazette before relying on a date.
Related reading
- Günstig unterwegs im Studium: Tickets, Roller und Führerschein im Überblick
- E-Scooter-Regeln ab März 2027: Was die Novelle ändert
- E-Scooter-Kennzeichen ab März 2027: Welche Farben vorgesehen sind
- E-Scooter-Haftung: Was die neue Halterhaftung vorsieht
- E-Scooter ohne Versicherung: Welche Folgen drohen
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
