Since March 1, 2024, new regulations for the use of e-scooters in public transport have been in force in German cities. Cities in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg have decided to ban e-scooters from public transport for safety reasons and more and more cities are following suit.

These hasty measures are based on safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries, which have in some cases led to fires and explosions abroad.

LEVi wants to clarify things, because people often act too hastily and the facts are not presented correctly. In the case of e-scooters, we would therefore like to state: Germany is the only country in the world where e-scooters require an ABE (general operating permit), which is issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) after passing an intensive two-day test by the TÜV.

TÜV Nord therefore feels that its professional assessment has been rightly discredited by the ban recommendation issued by the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), which is based exclusively on a study carried out by STUVA - Study Society for Tunnels and Traffic Facilities eV. And the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) also continues to support the carriage of e-scooters on public transport.

There is also uncertainty among owners of cargo bikes from the Dutch company Babboe, as the manufacturer has been forced to issue an “immediate” recall since February 2024 due to possible frame breakages on some models.

The entire LEV industry suffers from such negative headlines, as they unsettle consumers and ultimately make them skeptical about all innovative mobility solutions.

We can only emphasize again and again how important it is to provide consumers with objective information and see the need to closely examine cheap imports and ensure that only safe batteries reach the German market. In addition, we believe it is important to standardize battery technology and to use EU guidelines to ensure that these are not only manufactured sustainably and can be refurbished, but above all that they meet strict safety standards.

With our kick-off event “Battery Pitch” on June 7, 2024, we want to lay the foundation for a standardization process for battery systems for LEVs and are already looking forward to the participation of the various stakeholders.