What are the rules for e-scooters in Norway (helmet, age, pavements)?
Age limit, helmets, pavements, alcohol and fines.
Short answer
In Norway you must be at least 12 years old to ride an e-scooter, and riders under 15 must wear a helmet. You may ride on pavements and footpaths only when there are few pedestrians, at no more than 6 km/h when passing them, and only one person may ride. The alcohol limit of 0.2 per mille also applies.
Why
- The Ministry of Transport introduced the age limit of 12 and the helmet requirement for children under 15 with effect from 15 June 2022.
- The general alcohol limit of 0.2 per mille also applies to riding small electric vehicles such as e-scooters.
- Statens vegvesen says the police and the agency can issue a NOK 3,000 fine if more than one person rides the scooter, and parking that blocks others can cost NOK 900.
Details
On roads and in cycle lanes you ride in the direction of traffic and follow the signs, and the scooter must be limited so it cannot go faster than 20 km/h on motor power. If the pavement is too crowded to pass safely, get off and push the scooter or ride in the road. You may park on pavements and in pedestrian streets as long as the scooter does not block others, including wheelchair users and people with impaired vision.
Tip
Wear a helmet even if you are over 15: Statens vegvesen recommends it for all riders.
What may differ
Rental companies add their own rules: in Oslo you cannot rent an e-scooter if you are under 15, many operators set a limit of 16 or 18, and Oslo switches rental scooters off every night from 23:00 to 05:00.
Common misconception
Everyone has to wear a helmet on an e-scooter in Norway.
What actually happens
Only riders under 15 must wear a helmet. For older riders a helmet is recommended, not required.
People also ask
- Do you need a helmet on an e-scooter in Norway?
- What is the age limit for e-scooters in Norway?
- Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement in Norway?
Sources
- Government of Norway: Stricter rules for e-scooters (2022, Norwegian)Checked at:
- Statens vegvesen: Rules for e-scooters (Norwegian)Checked at:
- City of Bergen: E-scooters in Bergen (Norwegian)Checked at:
- Store norske leksikon: Electric scooter (Norwegian)Checked at:
- City of Oslo: Rental of e-scooters and e-bikes (Norwegian)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you ride.
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