Austria bans “pizza scooters” in Vienna
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Starting October 1, authorities in Vienna, Austria will reclassify certain electric two-wheelers as small motorcycles, effectively removing them from use.
Transport Minister Peter Hanke of the SPÖ party explained the decision by stating that vehicles looking and performing like mopeds should not be considered bicycles. Owners of these vehicles, often called “pizza scooters” because of their use by delivery services, will now need a driver’s license, registration, license plates, and liability insurance.
These newly classified small motorcycles, specifically those in the L1e-B category, must also undergo regular technical inspections to receive approval. Many owners will likely find the costs and requirements too burdensome, leading to the vehicles being taken off the streets. The change affects not only classic mopeds but also fatbikes that can be propelled by both pedals and an electric throttle.
The new regulations have drawn criticism from delivery services, who estimate around 5,000 “pizza scooters” are in use in Vienna, providing jobs for many people with migration backgrounds. Drivers face challenges including the cost of compliance and a lack of necessary manufacturer documentation for vehicle registration. While the city of Vienna will offer free disposal of the scooters, unions argue the decision disregards the realities of workers who rely on them.
Austria is now considering alternative solutions, such as a lighter registration process modeled after Germany’s system.
