KFV demands

“A driving test for moped drivers is overdue”

The fatally injured boy was riding a "Gatschhupfer" and had only been allowed to ride it for three weeks (symbolic image)

(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger © Daniel Scharinger)

The tragic death of 15-year-old Tobias from Peuerbach following a moped accident highlights a long-term problem in road traffic in Austria: according to the Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV), there were a total of 7601 accidents involving mopeds across the country between 2014 and 2022. A total of 8469 people were injured. 34 mostly young people were killed. Since the beginning of the year, five moped riders have already been killed in accidents nationwide.

"In order to provide the best possible protection for the most vulnerable age group, i.e. 15 to 19-year-olds, a practical moped test at A1 level with independent driving examiners must be introduced," says Klaus Robatsch, Head of Road Safety at the KFV, reiterating a long-standing demand to politicians.

He clarifies: "There is only an oral test for mopeds, but no compulsory practical test. However, it would be sensible and important to have one like the one for small motorcycle driving licenses. For a study, we tested the driving skills of 83 young moped riders in Upper Austria. On average, they had already been riding a moped for six months. The result surprised us negatively: 63% failed the practical test." In contrast, only 2.5% of small motorcycle riders failed this test, according to traffic researcher Robatsch: "According to statistics, one in ten moped riders has an accident." Christoph Gantner