Estonia proposes wider powers to seize modified e-scooters

Estonia’s Climate Ministry wants police to be able to confiscate electric scooters modified to exceed legal limits, ERR reports. The proposed changes would also cover scooters with a hidden faster mode installed by the manufacturer, as well as mopeds and bicycles converted into motor vehicles.

The ministry says the current bill would allow confiscation only when a vehicle’s manufacturer specifications show it is faster or more powerful than permitted. It has proposed extending the rules to cover modifications made by users and hidden speed settings.

The ministry also says the bill does not specify what should happen to confiscated vehicles. Under general state-property rules, they could be sold and return to traffic. The proposed changes are intended to prevent that, the ministry said.

Confiscation would not be automatic. The ministry says an enforcement authority would have the right, but not the obligation, to confiscate a vehicle. It would be justified only when there are sufficient grounds to believe the person will commit similar offences again and less severe measures have not worked.

In Estonia, electric scooters may have a maximum design speed of 25 km/h and motor power of up to 1 kW. The relevant amendments, which would let police confiscate non-compliant scooters without a court order, are awaiting their second reading in parliament.

The ministry has also proposed allowing drivers with a category B licence to drive heavier electric and other alternative-fuel vans. The change would raise the permitted weight from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes and reduce the need for a category C1 licence.

Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis said at a government press conference that electric vans can exceed the current limit because of the weight of their batteries. He said the amendment was due for a second reading and expressed hope it would be adopted.