Changes and new regulations This will change in June for consumers
BONN · June will bring in some changes for consumers. When it comes to e-scooters, Eurowings fares, and rent increases, here is what to expect.
E-scooters come to Germany
E-scooters will be allowed in Germany starting June 15. A decision has finally been made by a cabinet at federal government level. Unlike originally planned, the scooters will not be allowed on footpaths and in pedestrian zones, rather only on cycle paths or, if these do not exist, on the road. The maximum permitted speed is 20 kilometers per hour.
E-scooters may be ridden from the age of 14. A driving license or helmet is not required. But it must be equipped with a brake, bell and lighting. The federal council made this a condition for its approval. Scooter riders will not need to obtain a permit to operate them. While the e-scooters are intended to make cities cleaner and more environmentally friendly, a majority of those concerned fear more accidents as a result.
Amazon lowers sales fees
From June 5, the online retailer Amazon will charge a minimum sales fee of 30 cents for every item sold, with the exception of the categories books, music, videos and DVDs. In 2017, Amazon got rid of this fee. For baby and drugstore products with a total purchase price of up to ten euros, the sales fees for retailers are reduced from 15 to eight percent. If a customer in the jewelry category buys jewelry for up to 250 euros, retailers will only have to pay five percent to Amazon instead of 20 percent. Purchases of furniture and home accessories up to 200 euros are 15 per cent, and ten per cent for any portion above 200. An overview is available from Amazon on an information page: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/external/200336920
Eurowings cancels meals with the Smart fare
From June onwards, passengers of the airline Eurowings will have to pay for food and drinks themselves. This applies to Economy Class flights booked from June 4. Previously, customers on short-haul and long-haul flights were entitled to free snacks and drinks if they had purchased the Smart fare. Instead, passengers with a Smart fare ticket will be able to take part in priority boarding in the future; they are guaranteed to take hand luggage on board and stow it in the luggage compartments.
Limits on raising rent
From June, a new regulation will place a limit on rent increases in North Rhine-Westphalia. Landlords will be allowed to increase the rent by a maximum of 20 per cent within three years. NRW has also identified areas in which only 15 percent rent increases are permitted, including Cologne, Siegburg and Troisdorf.
Orig. text: Jill Mylonas
Translation: ck
