Published: November 27 2023
The use of e-scooters in Hungary has raised concerns regarding the growing number of injuries, nuisance riders, and obstacles they create. Despite these concerns, Hungarian lawmakers have been reluctant to address the legal regulation of electric scooters. However, legal changes are now being considered to address these concerns.
Legal Uncertainty Surrounding E-Scooters
The Constitutional Court recently rejected a case involving an individual convicted of driving an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol. The court majority deemed that the current Highway Code does not include provisions for electric scooters. However, dissenting judges argued that the courts have the power to interpret existing legislation to address the use of electric scooters. This legal ambiguity has led to uncertainty regarding the classification and regulation of e-scooters.
Proposed Amendment to the Highway Code
State Secretary for Active Hungary, Máriusz Révész, has prepared a draft amendment to the Highway Code that would subject e-scooters and electric bicycles with a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour to the same rules as bicycles. This amendment would primarily affect low-speed e-scooters, Segways, and scooter-sharing services. E-scooters with a top speed exceeding 25 kilometers per hour would be classified as mopeds. The amendment is currently under review by Minister János Lázár and is expected to be submitted for public consultation in the autumn.
Addressing Legal Uncertainty
To address the legal uncertainty surrounding the use of e-scooters, it may be necessary to include them under a specific category in the Highway Code that closely aligns with their characteristics. By establishing clear traffic rules applicable to e-scooters, the regulatory framework can provide clarity and ensure safety for users.
Future Steps
The final decision regarding the amendment to the Highway Code is now in the hands of Minister János Lázár. The draft will undergo public consultation in the autumn, allowing for input and feedback from the public. This process will help shape the future regulations and ensure that the concerns regarding e-scooter use are adequately addressed.
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Questions & Answers
What is the current debate in Hungary regarding e-scooters? There is a serious debate about the use of e-scooters in Hungary due to concerns about growing injuries, nuisance riders, and obstacles created by e-scooters.
Why are policymakers reluctant to address the legal regulation of electric scooters in Hungary? Policymakers in Hungary are reluctant to address the legal regulation of electric scooters, despite the concerns, because deep legal changes are needed and there is perceived legal uncertainty regarding the use of e-scooters.
What happened in the case of the man from Debrecen who was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol on an electric scooter? The Constitutional Court rejected the case of a man from Debrecen who complained that he was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol on an electric scooter, which is not even provided for in the Highway Code. The majority of the constitutional judges considered that the petition did not contain any argument of fundamental constitutional importance.
What is the proposed draft amendment to the Highway Code concerning e-scooters in Hungary? According to Máriusz Révész, State Secretary for Active Hungary, a draft amendment to the Highway Code has been prepared, which would subject electric scooters and electric bicycles with a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour to the same rules as bicycles. This would only affect low-speed e-scooters, Segways, and scooter-sharing services.
Who will make the final decision on the proposed amendment to the Highway Code regarding e-scooters in Hungary? The final decision on the proposed amendment to the Highway Code regarding e-scooters in Hungary is in the hands of Minister János Lázár, who said that the preparation of the revision of the Highway Code has been started, and the draft will be submitted for public consultation in the autumn.
When is the draft amendment to the Highway Code concerning e-scooters expected to be submitted for public consultation in Hungary? The draft amendment to the Highway Code concerning e-scooters is expected to be submitted for public consultation in Hungary in the autumn.
