Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) presented the draft amendment to the Road Traffic Act (StVO) and changes to the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG) and the Driving License Act (FSG) at a press conference in Vienna on Thursday. The main points: “E-mopeds” will be banned from bike paths and moved onto roads, new regulations will apply to e-scooters and e-bikes—including an expanded helmet requirement—and a new legal framework will be introduced for video-based traffic management systems, such as those planned for Vienna’s city center.
The draft omnibus amendment will now go into consultation and is scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026. The new rules regarding e-mopeds are expected to take effect on October 1, 2026. As already announced in the summer, “E-mopeds” (L1-eB), which are currently classified as bicycles, will be reclassified under the Motor Vehicles Act, thereby moving them to the roads. They will become motor vehicles subject to registration (license plate), insurance, driver’s license, and mandatory helmet requirements.
Camera-Based Traffic Regulation
The Transport Ministry is creating a legal framework for municipalities to use camera-based systems to regulate traffic—something Vienna has been pushing for years. In the future, entry and driving bans for multi-lane motor vehicles may be monitored through automated access management systems. These will apply only to clearly defined access zones, such as entry points to city centers. Areas under video surveillance will be marked with an additional sign displaying a camera symbol and new pavement markings.
However, camera surveillance of bus lanes, sidewalks, bike paths, or pedestrian zones as a standalone measure (“stand-alone solution”) will not be permitted. The only exception will be “school streets,” where traffic calming has special importance for child safety. Single-track motor vehicles, such as motorcycles and mopeds, are explicitly excluded from automated monitoring.
E-Scooter And E-Bike Riders
New rules will also apply to e-scooters and e-bikes. E-scooters will now be explicitly classified as vehicles, not small personal transport devices. Carrying passengers or cargo will be prohibited, helmet use will be mandatory up to the age of 16, and scooters must be equipped with turn signals and a bell. The blood alcohol limit will be reduced to 0.5. For e-bikes, helmets will be mandatory up to the age of 14.
