Driving license requirements
Which driving licence do you need
for e-scooters and e-choppers?
The German regulations at a glance – sorted by speed, with age limits, special rules and tips for the B196 extension.
All classes at a glance
| Speed | Driving Licence | Minimum Age | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 km/h | Moped Test Certificate | From 15 years | Insurance plate |
| Up to 45 km/h | Class AM or B | From 15 years | Insurance plate |
| Up to 85 km/h | Class A1 or B196 | From 16 yrs (A1) / 25 yrs (B196) | Regular registration |
| Up to 125 km/h | Class A1 or B196 | From 16 yrs (A1) / 25 yrs (B196) | Regular registration |
The Classes Explained
Which rules apply, what you need, and which models are suitable.
E-scooters up to 25 km/h – with moped test certificate
E-scooters and e-choppers up to 25 km/h are classified as mopeds. You need a moped test certificate, which you can acquire from the age of 15. Anyone born before April 1, 1965, can drive 25 km/h vehicles without any test certificate.
Only an affordable insurance plate is required – no TÜV, no vehicle tax. Ideal for short distances and city traffic.
View E-scooters up to 25 km/h →E-scooters up to 45 km/h – with driving license AM or B
For e-scooters and e-choppers up to 45 km/h, you need a Class AM driving license (from 15 years old, depending on the federal state) or a Class B car driving license. If you have a car driving license, you can drive 45 km/h vehicles directly – no additional training needed.
Only an insurance license plate is required – no TÜV, no complex registration. The most popular class for commuters and everyday drivers.
View E-scooters up to 45 km/h →E-scooters & E-choppers up to 125 km/h – with Class A1 or B196
More powerful vehicles up to 11 kW and 125 cm³ require a Class A1 driving license (from 16 years old) or the B196 extension (from 25 years old with Class B). Models: Star-Biker M1PS Knight, Shelwy Italian PRO, Bobber Custom and more.
Regular registration with COC papers required. We supply all documents – registration is straightforward.
View E-scooters up to 125 km/h →B196 Extension: From Car Driving License to 125cc
Do you have a Class B driving license and want to drive an 85 or 125 km/h vehicle? With the B196 extension, this is possible without an exam – only a short training course at the driving school.
Exceptions you should know about
Old Class 3 (before 01.04.1980)
If you obtained your Class 3 driving license before April 1, 1980, you are automatically allowed to drive Class A1 vehicles – including 125cc e-choppers. No additional training or examination is required. This entitlement remains even after converting to an EU driving license.
Born before 01.04.1965
If you were born before April 1, 1965, you may drive e-scooters and electric vehicles up to 25 km/h even without a moped test certificate – your ID card is sufficient. Ideal for senior scooters and compact e-scooters in urban traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving Licenses
Not entirely – for 25 km/h models, you need a moped test certificate (from 15 years old). Exception: If you were born before April 1, 1965, you can ride 25 km/h vehicles without a test certificate.
A Class AM driving license (from 15 years old) or a Class B car driving license. Class AM is automatically included in Class B.
Yes – with the B196 extension. Prerequisites: Class B for at least 5 years, minimum age 25 years, 9 lessons at a driving school. No exam, only valid in Germany.
Class A1 is an independent driving license (from 16 years old, with an exam) and valid throughout the EU. B196 is an extension of the car driving license (from 25 years old, without an exam) and is only valid in Germany.
For vehicles up to 45 km/h, an inexpensive insurance plate is sufficient – from approx. €50 per year, no TÜV required. For faster models (85–125 km/h), regular registration is required. Star-Biker supplies all COC papers.
Yes – if you obtained your Class 3 driving license before April 1, 1980, you are automatically allowed to drive Class A1 vehicles. This also applies after converting to an EU driving license.
From 15 years old with a moped test certificate (25 km/h) or Class AM (45 km/h). From 16 years old with Class A1 (up to 125 km/h). From 25 years old with the B196 extension (up to 125 km/h).
Driving License for E-scooters and E-choppers in Germany – all rules
The German driving license regulations for electric vehicles depend on three factors: maximum speed, motor power, and rider's age. Depending on the vehicle class, you need a moped test certificate, a Class AM, Class A1 driving license, or the B196 extension.
25 km/h: Moped test certificate from 15 years old
E-scooters up to 25 km/h are considered mopeds. You need a moped test certificate, which can be acquired from 15 years old. If you were born before April 1, 1965, you don't need a test certificate – your ID card is sufficient. Only an insurance plate is required, no TÜV.
45 km/h: Class AM or car driving license B
For e-scooters up to 45 km/h, you need a Class AM driving license (from 15 years old, depending on the federal state) or a Class B car driving license. AM is automatically included in B. Only an insurance plate is required.
85–125 km/h: Class A1 or B196
More powerful e-choppers up to 11 kW and 125 cm³ require Class A1 (from 16 years old, with exam) or the B196 extension (from 25 years old, Class B for 5 years, 9 lessons, no exam). B196 is valid only in Germany. Regular registration with COC papers is required.
Special regulation Class 3 (before 01.04.1980)
If you obtained your Class 3 driving license before April 1, 1980, you are automatically allowed to drive 125cc vehicles – without training or examination. This entitlement remains even after converting to an EU driving license.
Star-Biker: All documents included
All Star-Biker vehicles come with COC papers and EU road approval. For vehicles up to 45 km/h, an insurance plate from approx. €50/year is sufficient. For faster models, we will assist you with regular registration. Our team will advise you free of charge on driving licenses, registration, and driving school selection.
Questions about your driving license
or registration?
Our team will help you choose the right vehicle, advise you on the B196 extension, and assist with registration.