In the future, young people will be allowed to drive a moped when they are 15 years old. The Bundestag has now cleared the way for the minimum age for the moped driver's license from currently 16 years permanently to 15 years to lower.
Mopeds are lightweight mopeds that are up to 45 kilometers per hour. You are not required to register in Germany, you need an operating license and an insurance license plate. To be allowed to drive you need a driving license of the class AM. With this license you can drive two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum power of 4 kW and a maximum displacement of 50 cubic centimeters. For an electrically driven moped, the rated continuous power shall not exceed 4 kW.
Whether the federal states actually implement the new regulation, they can decide for themselves. Not every young person would necessarily benefit from the new regulation. Already at the end of last year, the state transport ministers had agreed that each state should determine for itself whether it lowers the minimum age to 15 years.
Young people in rural areas should become more mobile
"That other countries see no need for a moped at 15 due to regional conditions, we respect," said Thuringia Transport Minister Birgit Keller (left) at that time.
Especially the East German countries are open for the push. Here were already appropriate pilot tests. The necessary special arrangements would have expired next year. The aim of the model projects in East Germany was to improve the mobility of young people in rural areas.
Verkehrswacht warns of risks
The ADAC welcomed the plans to lower the minimum age for the moped driver's license. In his view, a nationwide regulation would be desirable to prevent a "confusing patchwork".
The German Traffic Watch warned against security risks. A spokesman said that although a driver's license from the age of 15 could supplement and enrich the individual mobility of young people - especially in rural areas. "On the other hand, we must not forget that young people in road traffic are particularly at risk because of lack of experience and a higher risk-taking." You will watch the process very closely.