Hungary to introduce a new vehicle category in the revised highway code

Hungary is set to take a major step towards regulating electric scooters, as the Ministry of Construction and Transport has unveiled plans to introduce a brand-new vehicle category under a revised version of the country’s Highway Code (KRESZ). The long-awaited changes aim to remove electric scooters from a legal grey area while significantly improving road safety, especially for children and other vulnerable road users.

A new vehicle category will be introduced in Hungary’s highway code

The draft legislation was discussed on Friday during a professional consultation involving micromobility experts, industry representatives and interest groups. According to the ministry, the overhaul focuses on creating a clear regulatory framework for electric scooters and other micromobility devices, responding to the sharp rise in related accidents in recent years, reports Vezess.hu.

One of the most important elements of the proposal is the introduction of two distinct categories for electric scooters: low-power and high-power vehicles. The new definitions would finally clarify where and how these increasingly popular devices can be used, and under what conditions.

Electric scooters will be fitted in two separate levels

Low-power electric scooters would be those capable of a maximum speed of 25 km/h. These vehicles would largely follow the rules currently applied to cyclists, but with several important additions. Under the proposal, riders would have to be at least 12 years old, and wearing a bicycle helmet would be mandatory.

On pavements, scooters could only be used at walking pace, with a maximum speed of 10 km/h, while elsewhere the limit would be 20 km/h. Carrying passengers, towing trailers and riding under the influence of alcohol would be strictly prohibited, with zero tolerance for alcohol consumption.

High-power electric scooters, meanwhile, would face much stricter rules. Any scooter with a motor output exceeding 1,000 watts, or capable of travelling faster than 25 km/h, would fall into this category. These vehicles would be treated similarly to two-wheeled mopeds.

Riders would need to be at least 14 years old, hold a valid driving licence and wear a motorcycle helmet. The maximum permitted speed would be 45 km/h, and the same bans on passengers, trailers and alcohol would apply. In case you missed it: Higher speed limits, new scooter and bike rules – fresh Highway Code comes into force soon in Hungary. Also, Hungary sets date for new motorway bypassing Budapest.

Many accidents involved scooter users, so extra caution will be required

According to Berta Tamás, deputy director responsible for road safety at the Institute for Transport Sciences, the revised Highway Code would also formally recognise electric scooter users as vulnerable road users. This would extend existing safety measures to them, such as mandatory safe overtaking distances by other vehicles.

The urgency behind the proposed changes is underscored by alarming accident statistics. Data presented at a recent event organised by the National Accident Prevention Committee revealed that electric scooters are now involved in around five percent of all road accidents in Hungary. Last year alone, nearly 400 medical interventions were linked to scooter accidents involving riders under the age of 18.

The draft legislation would also give local governments greater authority to impose additional restrictions, particularly on pavement use, allowing municipalities to adapt the rules to local conditions. The ministry says the ultimate goal of the new Highway Code is to create safer, clearer and fairer conditions for all road users, as micromobility becomes an increasingly visible part of everyday transport in Hungary.