Tighter e-moped rules, a new cooling plant in Vienna, and ÖBB emergency failures—plus more stories from Austria on Tuesday.
Government weighs tougher rules for e-mopeds on cycle paths
Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) said a draft amendment to Austria’s road traffic regulations will be prepared over the summer to address concerns over e-mopeds and their use on cycle paths, as reported by ORF. While a full ban has not been confirmed, Hanke cited deteriorating safety and called for “clear rules” for the fast-growing category of electric vehicles.
Under current law, e-mopeds are treated as bicycles and can be used on bike lanes—even though they are often significantly heavier and faster. Vienna has long urged the federal government to restrict their use in urban areas, with the city’s mobility agency and transport experts calling for limits on weight and speed, as well as mandatory helmets.
Vienna opens new district cooling hub beneath MedUni campus
Wien Energie inaugurated a new €22 million district cooling plant and ice storage unit under the future campus of MedUni Vienna on Monday, calling it a “milestone” in efforts to make cooling more sustainable, Die Presse reported. The new system will cool laboratories and facilities housing 750 staff and 2,000 students from 2027.
District cooling uses chilled water pumped through underground pipes and is considered more efficient than traditional air conditioning. Wien Energie CEO Michael Strebl said the expansion was crucial amid a surge in tropical nights, which rose from an average of 1.6 per year in the 1960s to 50 in 2024.
Ammonia leak in Stockerau sends 15 to hospital
A faulty valve at a dry storage facility in Stockerau caused an ammonia leak on Monday, prompting a major emergency response and hospitalising 15 people, Die Presse reported. None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to Red Cross officials.
Firefighters wearing protective gear sealed off the leak with support from neighbouring brigades, while police, emergency doctors, ambulances and a helicopter were also deployed to the site in Lower Austria.
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Train stuck in Vienna tunnel highlights ÖBB emergency failures
A stranded ICE train in Vienna’s Lainz Tunnel last week left pblockengers without light, ventilation or communication for several hours, prompting ÖBB to admit mishandling of the incident, ORF reported. The company has launched an internal review and pledged to improve emergency protocols and staff training.
Pblockengers said they had no information for hours while trapped in stifling heat. ÖBB said new processes would be put in place to ensure better communication and faster response in similar situations.
Two children’s toys recalled over choking risks
Two separate toy recalls have been issued over safety concerns, Kurier reported. A plush dinosaur from Styrblockic Park was found to have detachable plastic eyes that could pose a choking hazard.
Meanwhile, TEDi recalled clamp-on building blocks sold between February and July due to similar risks. Both products can be returned in stores for a refund or exchange, and families are advised to stop using them immediately.
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