The authorities of Frankfurt am Main have presented a draft of new regulations for users of electric scooters. The main goal of the changes is to solve problems resulting from improper parking of these vehicles in public spaces. The new regulations provide for mandatory designation of specific parking zones and the introduction of a penalty point system for rental operators. The draft solutions have been submitted for public consultation.
Mandatory parking zones
The new regulations require scooter operators to designate specific, city-approved parking locations. Users will have to end their rides exclusively in these designated zones, which is intended to prevent clutter and blocking of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and public transport stops.
Penalty point system
The city is introducing a point system for scooter rental companies. For each violation of parking rules or improper placement of vehicles, the operator will receive penalty points. After exceeding a specified limit, the city will be able to impose sanctions on the company, and in extreme cases even revoke its operating permit.
Public consultation
The draft regulations have been submitted for public consultation. The city council will now analyze the proposals, and the decision on the final shape of the regulations will be made after considering comments from residents and interested parties. A city council vote on this matter is expected in the coming weeks.
The authorities of Frankfurt am Main presented on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, a comprehensive draft of new regulations concerning the use and parking of electric scooters in urban space. The decision results from numerous complaints from residents and problems caused by these vehicles being left in inappropriate places. Electric scooters became firmly established in European cities at the turn of the second and third decades of the 21st century, offering a fast and ecological means of transport for short distances. Their rapid expansion, often without appropriate legal frameworks, quickly began to generate conflicts regarding pedestrian safety and order in public spaces. A key element of the proposed changes is the introduction of mandatory, designated parking zones. Rental operators will have to cooperate with the city to indicate specific locations where users will be required to end their rides. This aims to eliminate the practice of leaving scooters on sidewalks, in underground passages, at bus stops, or directly in front of building entrances, which hinders movement for pedestrians, people with disabilities, and mothers with strollers. The second pillar of the new regulations is a penalty point system for operators. For each reported violation of the rules, such as a scooter left outside a designated zone or blocking a passage, the company will receive penalty points. After exceeding an established threshold, the city will be able to impose financial penalties on it, and in the case of gross or repeated violations – even revoke its operating license. This system is intended to motivate companies to actively monitor and manage their vehicle fleets. The draft regulations have already been submitted for public consultation. The Frankfurt city council will now analyze the proposals, and residents and interested parties – including the operators themselves – will be able to submit their comments. The final vote on the adoption of the new regulations by the city council is planned for the coming weeks.
Perspektywy mediów: German liberal media (SZ, ZEIT) emphasize the aspect of improving quality of life in the city and pedestrian safety resulting from uncontrolled parking. Conservative media (WELT) focus on the regulatory aspect and potential burden on entrepreneurs and restriction of user freedom.