City Riding Guide: E-Scooter Tips for Paris, Berlin, Rome, Barcelona & Amsterdam
Europe's most iconic cities each have their own personality — and their own e-scooter rules. What works in Amsterdam may get you fined in Berlin.
This guide covers the essentials for five popular summer destinations, so you can ride legally and confidently.
City-by-City Guide
🇫🇷 Paris — Strict Enforcement
What to know: Rental scooters are banned in Paris, but private scooters remain legal. The city has dedicated scooter lanes, but enforcement is strict .
Recommended KuKirin: S1 Max (25km/h) or G2 Pro VMP
🇩🇪 Berlin — ABE Certified Required
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 20 km/h |
| Insurance | ✅ Mandatory — insurance sticker required |
| ABE certification | ✅ Required |
| Where to ride | Cycle paths only — no pavements |
| Minimum age | 14 |
What to know: Germany has some of the strictest rules in Europe . Your scooter must have ABE certification and display an insurance sticker.
Recommended KuKirin: G2 Pro ABE (20km/h, ABE certified)
🇮🇹 Rome — New Rules from 2026
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 20 km/h |
| Insurance | ✅ Mandatory from 2026 |
| Helmet | ✅ Mandatory for night riding |
| Number plates | Required for private scooters from 2025 |
What to know: Rome's cobblestone streets demand good suspension. Milan recently revoked Bird's license for failing to display number plates — enforcement is serious .
Recommended KuKirin: G2 Master (hydraulic suspension for cobblestones)
🇪🇸 Barcelona — Summer Riding Paradise
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 25 km/h |
| Helmet | ✅ Mandatory |
| Insurance | From 2026 |
| Dedicated lanes | ✅ Scooter lanes in many areas |
What to know: Barcelona is one of the most scooter-friendly cities in Europe. The coastal route from Barceloneta to Sitges is a summer favourite.
Recommended KuKirin: G2 Pro VMP (DGT certified) or A1 (style + coastal vibes)
🇳🇱 Amsterdam — Cycle Path Heaven
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speed limit | 25 km/h |
| Insurance | Registration & insurance required from 2025 |
| Where to ride | Cycle paths only |
| Tram tracks | Cross at 90° — slippery when wet |
What to know: Amsterdam has the best cycling infrastructure in Europe. Watch for tram tracks — crossing at a shallow angle is the leading cause of accidents .
Recommended KuKirin: S1 Max (lightweight for trains) or G2 Pro
Quick Compliance Reference
| City | Speed | Insurance | Helmet | Certified Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 25 km/h | ✅ | Under 18 | S1 Max / VMP |
| Berlin | 20 km/h | ✅ | Recommended | G2 Pro ABE |
| Rome | 20 km/h | ✅ (2026) | Night mandatory | G2 Master |
| Barcelona | 25 km/h | From 2026 | ✅ | G2 Pro VMP |
| Amsterdam | 25 km/h | From 2025 | Recommended | S1 Max |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I take my KuKirin on trains in Europe?
It depends. Germany's Deutsche Bahn allows folded scooters as hand luggage . France's SNCF has no blanket ban, but check each operator. Most urban metros, including Rome and Paris, do not permit e-scooters on board.
Q2: Which KuKirin model is best for travelling between cities?
The S1 Max (16kg) is the lightest and most portable. The G2 Pro offers a good balance of range and weight.
Q3: Is the G2 Pro VMP legal in all EU countries?
No — it is DGT-certified for Spain. For Germany, you need the G2 Pro ABE (20km/h).
Q4: What happens if I ride without insurance in France or Germany?
France: fines up to €1,500. Germany: fines up to €1,500 .
Conclusion: Know Before You Go
| City | Best Model |
|---|---|
| Paris | S1 Max (25km/h) |
| Berlin | G2 Pro ABE (20km/h) |
| Rome | G2 Master (suspension) |
| Barcelona | G2 Pro VMP (DGT) |
| Amsterdam | S1 Max (lightweight) |
One golden rule: Always check local rules before you ride. Enforcement is increasing across Europe .