{"id":2412,"date":"2026-10-28T20:25:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T20:25:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scitch-gmbh.de\/?p=2412"},"modified":"2026-10-28T20:52:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T20:52:02","slug":"e-scooter-horn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scitch-gmbh.de\/en\/guides-technology\/e-scooter-horn\/","title":{"rendered":"E-Scooter Horn or Bell? What Is Required and What Is Allowed"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Does the law require a bell or a horn?<\/h2>\n

Which sound signal your e-scooter needs depends on the country you ride in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Country<\/th>\nRequired<\/th>\nHorn in addition to or instead of the bell<\/th>\nSource<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Germany<\/td>\nbell with a clear tone<\/td>\nallowed in addition if approved under UN ECE Regulation No. 28; sirens and other signalling devices prohibited<\/td>\n\u00a7 6 eKFV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/td>\nbell or horn<\/td>\nhorn possible instead of a bell<\/td>\n\u00a7 68a StVO, oesterreich.gv.at<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/td>\nclearly audible bell<\/td>\ninstead of the bell, a warning device under UNECE Regulation No. 28 or EU rules; other warning devices prohibited<\/td>\nArt. 178b VTS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In Germany the rule is set out in \u00a7 6 of the Electric Small Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV)<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, German).<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, German).<\/p>\n

When is a horn on an e-scooter allowed in Germany?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00a7 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.<\/p>\n

The following are not allowed:<\/p>\n