Last updated: 15 September 2026 · General information, not legal advice. Always check the official source for your city before you ride.

Short answer: In 2026, Germany allows e-scooters up to 20 km/h with an ABE/EBE approval and a valid insurance plate. France and Spain cap e-scooters (EDPM/VMP) at 25 km/h; France has added helmet and visibility requirements, while Spain now requires DGT registration and civil liability insurance. Any KuKirin model that exceeds these limits is a private-property or off-road machine, not a road-legal commuter scooter.

Buying the right scooter is only half the job. If you ride a 45 km/h model on a public road in Germany, France or Spain, the scooter can be seized and your insurance may not pay. This guide explains what changed in 2026, which KuKirin models fit each country, and what to check before you order.

2026 e-scooter rules at a glance

Rules still differ by city. A scooter that is legal in Berlin may be restricted in Paris, and Spanish cities can add helmet, parking or speed rules on top of national law. Treat the table as a starting point, then confirm the local ordinance.

Germany: 20 km/h, ABE and the insurance plate

Germany regulates e-scooters as Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge (eKF). To ride on public roads you need a scooter with a valid ABE (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis) or EBE (Einzelbetriebserlaubnis), a maximum design speed of 20 km/h, and a current insurance plate. The minimum age is 14.

• Ride on bike lanes or the road, never on the pavement.
• Only one person per scooter.
• Lights, brakes and a bell must work; modifications that raise the speed can invalidate the approval.
• Helmets are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended — and they are essential on wet roads.
• Alcohol and drug limits apply in the same way as for other vehicles.

For German riders, the practical choice is the KuKirin G2 Pro ABE electric scooter, which is built to the 20 km/h approval class. Faster G2, G3, G4 or X1 models can be used on private land, but they are not approved for German public roads.

France: 25 km/h, insurance and the 2026 helmet rules

France treats e-scooters as EDPM (engins de déplacement personnel motorisés). The national speed limit is 25 km/h, the minimum age is 14, and civil liability insurance is mandatory. Since 2026, local authorities have been rolling out stricter helmet and visibility requirements; in several cities a helmet and a reflective vest or equivalent high-visibility equipment are now compulsory. Check your city hall or the national road-safety portal for the exact start date where you ride.

• Use bike lanes where they exist; riding on the pavement is prohibited.
• Carry one rider only and do not use headphones while riding.
• Lights and a reflective device are required at night.
• Keep proof of insurance with you; fines apply if you cannot show it.

For a 25 km/h commute, look at the KuKirin G2 VMP or the G2 Pro VMP. Both are limited to the VMP/EDPM speed class and keep enough torque for hills without pushing you into the illegal 45 km/h bracket.

Spain: DGT registration and mandatory insurance in 2026

Spain defines e-scooters as VMP (vehículos de movilidad personal). The national speed limit is 25 km/h, and the 2026 framework makes two things much harder to ignore: registration in the DGT light personal vehicle registry and civil liability insurance. Riders must be able to identify their scooter and prove insurance if asked.

• Ride in bike lanes or on the road according to the municipal ordinance; pavements are for pedestrians.
• Helmets are mandatory in many cities even where national law does not require them for every rider.
• Do not carry passengers, and do not use a mobile phone while riding.
• Keep the registration label and insurance documents up to date.

Spanish riders should start with the KuKirin G2 VMP or G2 Pro VMP (DGT certified). These are the 25 km/h versions intended for the VMP class; the faster G2 Max, G2 Master, G3 Pro and G4 are off-road/private-use machines unless your local rules say otherwise.

Which KuKirin model fits your country?

If you are not sure which class you need, start with our guide on choosing the right electric scooter for an EU commute. It walks through range, weight, motor power and the difference between a legal commuter and a weekend performance scooter.

Five checks before you order

1. Check the speed class. 20 km/h for Germany, 25 km/h for France and Spain. If the listing says 45 km/h or more, assume it is not road-legal for these countries.
2. Ask for the approval document. German riders need ABE/EBE. Spanish riders need the VMP/DGT documentation.
3. Budget for insurance. In Germany the insurance plate is annual; in France and Spain civil liability cover is mandatory.
4. Check your city rules. Helmet, parking, bike-lane and night-riding rules are often stricter than national law.
5. Buy from an EU warehouse. Faster delivery, easier warranty and no surprise import fees — see why EU stock matters.

FAQ: e-scooter laws in Europe 2026

Can I ride a 45 km/h KuKirin scooter on the road in Germany?

No. German eKF approval stops at 20 km/h. A 45 km/h model is a private-land or off-road machine unless it has a different vehicle approval and registration, which most e-scooters do not have.

Is a helmet mandatory in France in 2026?

It depends on your city. The 2026 changes tighten helmet and visibility requirements, and several municipalities now require a helmet and a reflective vest. Check the current local rule before riding.

Do I need insurance in Spain?

Yes. Civil liability insurance is part of the 2026 VMP framework, together with registration in the DGT light vehicle registry. Keep both documents accessible.

Are KuKirin VMP models legal in all three countries?

The 20 km/h ABE version is designed for Germany; the 25 km/h VMP versions are designed for the 25 km/h class used in France and Spain, and the G2 Pro VMP carries DGT certification. Always confirm the current local requirements before you buy.

Sources

• Germany: Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA); eKFV (Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung); ADAC e-scooter rules.
• France: service-public.fr; Sécurité routière; Légifrance.
• Spain: DGT; DGT electronic headquarters.

This article provides general information and does not replace legal advice. Regulations and municipal ordinances change; verify the current rules with the official authority before riding.

Ready to choose a compliant ride? Explore the 20 km/h ABE model for Germany and the 25 km/h VMP model for France and Spain. Both ship from our EU warehouse with warranty support.