E-Scooter Horn or Bell? What Is Required and What Is Allowed
In Germany every e-scooter must have a bell with a clear tone. You may only fit a horn in addition to it, and only if it is approved under the rules for light motorcycles. Sirens and other acoustic signalling devices are prohibited. In Austria a bell or a horn is mandatory. Loud horns without approval are meant for private property, not for the road.
On this page you will find the rules for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We also explain the difference between a bell, an approved horn and an alarm horn, and show how to fit a horn to your handlebar.
Does the law require a bell or a horn?
Which sound signal your e-scooter needs depends on the country you ride in.
| Country | Required | Horn in addition to or instead of the bell | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | bell with a clear tone | allowed in addition if approved under UN ECE Regulation No. 28; sirens and other signalling devices prohibited | § 6 eKFV |
| Austria | bell or horn | horn possible instead of a bell | § 68a StVO, oesterreich.gv.at |
| Switzerland | clearly audible bell | instead of the bell, a warning device under UNECE Regulation No. 28 or EU rules; other warning devices prohibited | Art. 178b VTS |
In Germany the rule is set out in § 6 of the Electric Small Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV) (German). The sentence “Wheel-driven bells, sirens or other acoustic signalling devices are not permitted” (our translation) was added when the ordinance was amended in 2026. The new construction rules apply to e-scooters placed on the market for the first time from 1 April 2026. Older models are covered by the previous version.
In Austria a bell or horn has been mandatory equipment since 1 May 2026. Reflectors and indicators at the ends of the handlebar are also required (oesterreich.gv.at, German).
In Switzerland e-scooters, called E-Trottinette there, count as mopeds. They need a clearly audible bell. Instead of the bell, a warning device under UNECE Regulation No. 28 or EU Regulations No. 168/2013 and 3/2014 is permitted. Other warning devices are prohibited (Art. 178b VTS, German).
When is a horn on an e-scooter allowed in Germany?
In Germany a horn is only allowed in addition to the bell and must meet the same requirements as the horn of a light motorcycle. So the bell always stays on the handlebar.
§ 6 eKFV names UN ECE Regulation No. 28 and Annex II of Regulation (EU) No. 3/2014. When you buy a horn, ask for proof of this approval. Without that proof, the horn is not permitted on public roads.
The following are not allowed:
- sirens
- wheel-driven bells
- other acoustic signalling devices
What a loud horn with an alarm is meant for
Our e-scooter horn from ehaltig (product page in German) is meant for private property and closed-off routes. It has no approval under UN ECE Regulation No. 28, is not approved for public road traffic and must not be used there.
The horn reaches up to 130 dB, has several selectable tones and a built-in anti-theft alarm that is also active when the scooter is parked. It charges via USB-C. It is weatherproof and is fixed to the handlebar with extra-long rubber straps that also fit wide handlebars.
It is useful where a clear signal helps and the operator allows it. Examples are campsites, company premises, marinas or closed-off routes. If you also use your e-scooter there for transport, you will find suitable options in our guide on carrying luggage on an e-scooter.
How to fit a horn to your e-scooter
If the horn is fixed with rubber straps, you do not need any tools. Here is how:
- Check where you ride: on public roads only an approved horn, on private property with the operator’s consent an alarm horn as well.
- Leave the bell on the handlebar. In Germany it is mandatory, even if you add a horn.
- Choose a spot on the handlebar where the horn does not cover the brake levers, lights, indicators or display.
- Attach the horn with the straps or the manufacturer’s bracket and check that it does not twist when you steer.
- Charge the battery before the first ride and test the tones once while standing still.
Frequently asked questions
Does a horn replace the bell on an e-scooter?
Not in Germany. The bell with a clear tone is mandatory and a horn can only be added. In Austria a bell or a horn is required. In Switzerland an approved warning device under UNECE Regulation No. 28 may be fitted instead of the bell.
Is an alarm system on an e-scooter allowed?
In Germany “sirens or other acoustic signalling devices” are not permitted on e-scooters (§ 6 eKFV). A horn with an alarm function like ours is therefore meant for private property.
Does this also apply to electric scooters with a seat?
The rules on this page apply to stand-up e-scooters. Electric scooters with a seat are not covered in this article.
How loud may a horn on an e-scooter be?
§ 6 eKFV does not set a fixed volume limit. Instead, the horn has to meet the requirements of UN ECE Regulation No. 28. The volume figure alone therefore says nothing about whether a horn is allowed on public roads.
As of October 2026. This is not legal advice. More on the legal situation is on our page E-scooter with a trailer: what is allowed?, and more accessories are in our shop (German).
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