Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas has ruled out introducing a mandatory EU-wide e-permit or online safety assessment for e-scooter and e-bike users, instead pointing to the recently adopted Driving Licence Directive (DLD) and ongoing guidance work to address road safety concerns. The answer, given on 19 June 2026, responds to a parliamentary question from Renew MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who had urged the Commission to create a mandatory online certification system for users of these micro-mobility devices, citing rising accident numbers and the fact that 16-year-olds can operate them without formal road safety knowledge.
Tzitzikostas confirmed that the new DLD (Directive 2025/2205) does not introduce any dedicated e-permit or assessment for micro-mobility users, but argued it will indirectly improve safety by reinforcing training and testing for drivers who share the road with them. The directive includes updated driver testing content, enhanced hazard perception training, and new provisions on safe interaction with vulnerable road users. The Commissioner also noted that if a micro-mobility device is designed to exceed 25 km/h, a driving licence (category AM) is already required.
Beyond the directive, the Commission and Member States are cooperating on best practices for road-safety awareness and education. Tzitzikostas pointed to the Commission's mid-point report on EU road safety policy (COM/2026/77), which commits to drawing conclusions on harmonising technical specifications for personal mobility devices and preparing guidance for Member States and local administrations on safe use. This guidance, requested by Transport Ministers at the December 2025 Council meeting, will expand on the 2021 SUMP Topic Guide on Safe Use of Micromobility.
The answer contains no concrete proposals for new EU-level legislation on user permits or assessments, instead relying on existing measures and voluntary cooperation. Stakeholders impacted include micro-mobility users, who will not face new licensing requirements; other road users, who may benefit from improved driver training; and manufacturers, who could face future harmonised technical standards. The Commission's approach prioritises flexibility for Member States over EU-wide harmonisation, reflecting a preference for soft law and guidance over binding regulation.