Vienna: New rules for taking e-scooters on public transport
Heading to Vienna with an e-scooter? Since September 1, 2026, taking them on Wiener Linien transport has been significantly restricted. E-scooters are no longer permitted on buses and trams. In the subway, they can only be transported during specific times. Commuters and visitors should therefore take a close look at their entire route—especially the return trip.
These times apply to the subway
The announcement from the City of Vienna on August 30 specifies the following time windows. The change has been in effect since the beginning of the month; it is not a newly passed decision.
| Day | E-scooter transport on the subway |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM and from 6:30 PM until the end of service |
| Saturday, Sunday and public holidays | All day, subject to other conditions of carriage |
| Bus and tram | No e-scooter transport permitted |
Wiener Linien cites the need for more space and easier passenger boarding and alighting as the reason. According to the announcement, a fine of 50 euros may be charged for violating the conditions of carriage.
Folding the e-scooter does not count as carry-on luggage
The official explanation from Wiener Linien explicitly answers an important detail: the ban on buses and trams also applies to folded e-scooters. They are not treated as carry-on luggage there. However, folded manual scooters without an electric motor may continue to be taken on all Wiener Linien vehicles at any time.
Our assessment: A small folded size alone is not enough of a criterion if you are choosing a scooter specifically for combination with public transport. The decisive factor is what the respective operator actually permits. A product description stating "ideal for commuters" does not answer this question.
Even in the permitted time window, there must be space
According to the operator's guidelines, a maximum of two bicycles or e-scooters are allowed per boarding area. Passengers in wheelchairs or with strollers have priority. If there is no space, you must wait for the next train; there is no entitlement to transport. Scooters must be pushed within station facilities. You are not permitted to use them on escalators.
What does this mean for your trip?
- Friday at 5:00 PM: A planned subway leg with an e-scooter falls outside the permitted time windows. Plan another solution instead of relying on folding it.
- Saturday at 11:00 AM: The time window is suitable, but space and priority rules still apply.
- Connection with transfers: Check every leg of the journey. A permitted subway ride does not make subsequent transport on a bus permissible.
These examples are our application of the published rules. For a specific trip, you should additionally check current operating information and the accessibility of the stations. The conditions described here apply to Wiener Linien. For ÖBB connections or transport companies in Germany, the respective guidelines must be checked separately.
You can find which other points besides range and motor power count when choosing in our e-scooter buying guide. Further reports on mobility and everyday life can be found in the e-scooter news.
Note on this article: As of September 11, 2026. Summary of the official operator information and the City of Vienna announcement regarding the rules in effect since September 1. The current conditions of carriage and on-site notices remain authoritative.