Last updated: 6 July 2026
In Estonia an electric scooter is a light vehicle (kergliikur) if its design speed is up to 25 km/h. You may ride on bike paths and bike lanes, on foot and shared paths at walking pace, and on the road only when no such paths exist. A helmet is mandatory for riders under 16. A model faster than 25 km/h counts as a motor vehicle and may not be used in regular traffic.
The short version
- A light vehicle is a seatless electric vehicle with a design speed of up to 25 km/h.
- Over 25 km/h it is no longer a light vehicle but a motor vehicle, which may not be used on public roads and cannot be registered.
- Where to ride: bike path, bike lane, bike-and-foot path, foot path, pavement. The road only when those are absent or unusable.
- On pavements and near pedestrians you must ride at walking pace.
- A fastened helmet is mandatory for riders under 16, strongly recommended for everyone else.
- A light vehicle up to 25 km/h needs no registration. Insurance may be mandatory for faster or heavier models.
What is a light vehicle, and when does it become a motor vehicle?
A light vehicle is a seatless electric vehicle for carrying one person, with a design speed of up to 25 km/h. Most electric scooters sold for city riding belong to this class, and that is what determines which rules you must follow.
If a scooter's design speed exceeds 25 km/h, it is no longer a light vehicle but a motor vehicle. Stricter requirements apply and it may not be used in regular traffic. Raising the speed in software or removing the limiter can change the model's class, so it is worth knowing the vehicle's actual figures. Each model's design speed is listed in our electric scooter collection.
Where may you ride an electric scooter?
A light vehicle may be ridden on a bike path, a bike lane, a bike-and-foot path, a foot path and a pavement. Riding on the road is allowed only when those paths are absent or their condition makes riding significantly difficult, and then you must keep near the right edge of the road or the verge.
On pavements and foot paths the pedestrian always has priority. Near a pedestrian you must ride at a speed that does not endanger them, essentially walking pace. When planning a route, favour bike paths and lanes, where a light vehicle can move safely and at full speed.
How fast may you ride?
The maximum permitted speed for a light vehicle on public paths is 25 km/h. On pavements and foot paths, and near other pedestrians, you must slow to walking pace to avoid danger and collisions.
The 25 km/h limit comes directly from the definition of a light vehicle: faster models are not light vehicles and a different regime applies. In the city a higher speed adds little in practice, since traffic lights, junctions and pedestrians keep the average speed low anyway.
Is a helmet mandatory?
A rider under 16 must wear a fastened cycling helmet on an electric scooter. This is a legal obligation. For riders aged 16 and over a helmet is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended, since most of those injured are the light vehicle riders themselves.
Alongside a helmet, consider a reflective vest or bright clothing to improve visibility. Helmets and other protective gear are in our accessories collection.
From what age may you ride an electric scooter?
The law does not set a single minimum age for riding an electric scooter, but the helmet requirement applies under 16 and responsibility for a younger child rests with the parent. A younger child should ride under adult supervision and away from traffic.
The Transport Administration has publicly discussed introducing an age limit, but as things stand no specific minimum age has been added to the law. Because the rules may change, it is worth checking the official position before the season. For suitable kids' models, see our guide to kids' electric rides.
Which lights and equipment are required?
In darkness and poor visibility a light vehicle must show a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, and the vehicle must be visible. This applies both on bike and foot paths and on the road.
Visibility improves safety in daylight too, so many newer models come with LED lights. Before riding in the dark, check that the lights work and the battery is charged.
Alcohol and other prohibitions
A light vehicle must not be ridden while intoxicated or in a health state dangerous to traffic, just like any other vehicle. You also must not hold a phone while riding, or carry a passenger unless the vehicle is designed for it.
Does an electric scooter need to be registered?
A light vehicle up to 25 km/h needs no registration or registration plate. A model over 25 km/h counts as a motor vehicle and is subject to motor vehicle registration and use requirements, which means it cannot be used in public traffic as an ordinary scooter.
Does an electric scooter need insurance?
Lighter and slower light vehicles generally do not need motor liability insurance, but faster (over 25 km/h) or heavier models may. We have set out the exact speed and weight thresholds in a separate guide: electric scooter insurance in Estonia.
FAQ
May you ride an electric scooter on the pavement?
Yes, but the pedestrian always has priority and near them you must ride at walking pace. Where possible, favour a bike path or lane.
Is a helmet mandatory for adults?
No, a helmet is legally required only for riders under 16. For adults it is strongly recommended but not mandatory.
What happens if a scooter goes over 25 km/h?
Then it is no longer a light vehicle but a motor vehicle. It may not be used in regular traffic and stricter requirements apply, including a possible insurance obligation.
May a child ride an electric scooter?
The law sets no fixed minimum age, but a helmet is mandatory under 16 and a younger child should ride under adult supervision, away from traffic.
If you are looking for a light-vehicle-class scooter with clearly stated figures, see our electric scooter collection, where each model's speed is listed.
