15-YEAR-OLDS CAN RIDE MOPEDS AGAIN!

In Germany... but it’s a start!

The German Parliament (Bundestag) has approved an initiative, which means that its citizens will be able to ride a moped from the age of 15.

After the Federal Cabinet and the Federal Council, the Bundestag has now approved on the initiative of the Minister of Transport of a general lowering of the entry age of 16 to 15 for the moped licence. Primarily it’s aimed at helping younger residents of structurally weak regions (without extensive bus and rail networks) to make their way to schools or apprenticeships.

Back in 2013 an experiment was set in motion, which allowed young people in Germany’s eastern federal states to obtain an AM driving licence for scooters and mopeds up to 50cc from the age of 15. Running until 2020, the Bundestag and the Ministry of Transport have already approved the law for a nationwide roll-out. But it’s going to be left up to the individual states to decide whether to implement the new law or not. By the sound of it, it is fairly likely that the eastern states will choose to permanently reduce the age threshold after its seven-year trial – and according to news reports, North Rhine-Westphalia has confirmed it’s going to roll out the new law, too.

We’re seriously impressed with the German authorities’ decision to make it easier for young people to get on two wheels. What do you think?

Should the British Government be making the same commitment, and letting 15-year-olds loose on two wheels?