Electric e-scooters have become a normal part of cities in recent years, but at the same time a huge gray area has formed around them. Many models can handle speeds well above 25 km/h, some riders use them on sidewalks among pedestrians, and the rules were not always clear enough. That is set to change from 1 September 2026. As motor journalist Erik Stríž explained in an interview for TN live, the amendment to the law will bring a clearer distinction for electric e-scooters and also tougher consequences for those who ride unlocked or overly fast machines. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that small electric vehicles will have to carry a manufacturer’s label, must not exceed a speed of 25 km/h, and must not have a seat.
The biggest change applies to high-performance scooters, which you often see in cities and beyond. Models with a built-in speed of 25 to 45 km/h will no longer be able to legally ride on public roads like regular electric scooters. In practice, that means rugged off-road machines or unlocked models will remain usable mainly on private property, or outside public traffic. Using a vehicle that doesn’t meet the requirements of the new category will be considered a serious offense.
Unlocked e-scooters will be a major problem
Another very important topic is unlocked e-scooters. Many common models are sold with a limit of 25 km/h, but users unlock them through software or mechanically to get a higher speed. According to Erik Stríž’s explanation, such machines will need to be returned to their original state. So it is not enough to ride slowly if the e-scooter itself is technically capable of going faster than the law allows.
The police, however, won’t rely only on classic radar speed checks. The interview mentioned that checking the design speed is also planned, for example using mobile roller test equipment. This could be uncomfortable for everyone who has a powerful e-scooter at home, but is counting on the fact that during the check it will simply go slower.
Sidewalks will no longer be a place for fast riding
Another major change is riding on sidewalks. Riders will be allowed to move on them only at walking speed—roughly up to 6 km/h. If someone wants to go faster, they should use a bike path, a cycle lane, or the right shoulder of the roadway. The goal is to improve pedestrian safety, because a meeting of a pedestrian with a scooter traveling at 20 to 25 km/h can end very unpleasantly.
The problem is that Slovak urban infrastructure is not always ready for this. Erik Stríž pointed mainly to potholes, narrow drain grates, missing bike lanes, and the risk of riding among cars. The small wheels of e-scooters are more sensitive to uneven surfaces than bicycles, so moving from sidewalks to the road can be safety-challenging in some cities.
Fines can be seriously harsh
Standard fines for offenses are expected to range from about 20 to 150 €. For a more serious violation, however, the penalty can be significantly harsher. If it involves riding an unlocked or constructionally unapproved scooter, the worst-case scenario mentions fines in the hundreds of euros and a ban on activities. The media point out that on fast scooters above 25 km/h, the rider could also risk a ban on activities, which is especially sensitive for people with a driver’s license for a car.
For an everyday rider, it comes down to a simple rule: if you have a scooter that from the factory—or after a modification—can handle more than 25 km/h, you should check its condition before September. The safest option is to put it back to the limit and make sure it meets the new definition of a small electric vehicle.
Alcohol, helmet and equipment
For alcohol, electric e-scooters will follow a similar regime as cyclists. In town, a limit of up to 0,5 per mille is tolerated, but Erik Stríž clearly recommended zero tolerance in the interview. An e-scooter may be small, but a fall at 20 to 25 km/h can end in a fracture, concussion, or facial injury.
According to available information, the amendment does not introduce a mandatory helmet or a reflective vest for adult riders on standard e-scooters. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them. A helmet, gloves, and reflective elements are among the cheapest ways to significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
The changes don’t apply only to e-scooters.
The amendment to the Road Traffic Act also addresses other areas. Children will be able to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk up to an older age—specifically, the age limit is increased from 10 to 14 years. The law also defines a bicycle for the first time more precisely as a two-wheeled vehicle with pedals powered by muscular force. Changes will also come to driving schools, where training should be divided more strictly into theory and subsequent practice.
For fans of electric mobility, however, the most important thing is that fast scooters are moving into the grey zone. From September, it will be much clearer what is still a standard electric scooter and what is a vehicle that does not belong in public traffic without meeting additional conditions. For riders, that means fewer excuses—but with sensible rule settings, safer streets too.
What do you think about the amendment regarding e-scooters?
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