Estonian inspection finds violations in every e-scooter checked

Estonia's Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) examined 18 electric scooter models offered by 10 different retailers between April and September this year. It found violations in every product checked, and several models have been banned from sale as a result.

The most frequent problems concerned product documentation. Eleven scooters had no declaration of conformity, or the information in it was incomplete. Nine sales listings for high-powered or high-speed scooters did not state that the product must not be used in traffic. Several products also came without a user manual in Estonian.

Company responses and consequences

During the supervisory proceedings, businesses supplied missing manuals or conformity documents for nine products and, where needed, clarified the information in their listings, the TTJA said.

Five product models have been withdrawn from sale, and sales of two others have been temporarily suspended. These measures were applied where a company could not provide the required conformity documents or fix the shortcomings, for instance by failing to supply a user manual with the product.

Seller responsibility

The seller is responsible for the information in sales listings. If the technical specifications of a personal mobility device exceed the limits set for its use, consumers must be clearly told so and, where necessary, informed that the device is not intended for use in traffic.

The TTJA stressed that misleading consumers is not permitted. When buying an e-scooter, it advises people to check not only the price and technical specifications but also that the product meets the requirements and that the necessary information and documents are available.