Question about Xiaomi 5 Global Edition

Here's a clear breakdown of the legal situation for this Xiaomi e-scooter in Germany and Switzerland:

Germany
• Not road-approved = Illegal for public roads
• Consequences: Fines up to €70-100 for riding unapproved vehicles, potential confiscation of the scooter
• Where you can ride: Only on private property with owner's permission

Switzerland
• Not road-approved = Illegal for public roads
• Consequences: Fines up to CHF 200, insurance liability issues if involved in accidents
• Where you can ride: Private land only (with explicit permission)

Key Requirements for Legal Use (in countries where approved):
▸ Speed limit: Typically 20 km/h (Germany) or lower
▸ Power limit: Often ≤ 500W (but approval requires specific certifications)
▸ Features: Front/rear lights, dual brakes, bell/horn, and reflectors

Recommendations:
1. Check local laws - Regulations vary by city/country (e.g., Austria/France have different rules)
2. Look for certification marks - In Germany, search for «ABE» (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis)
3. Consider alternatives - Xiaomi's Pro 2 model (1S) is road-legal in Germany when properly certified

Important: Riding unapproved e-scooters on public roads invalidates insurance coverage and puts you at legal/financial risk in accidents. Always verify certification status before purchasing or riding.