Motorcycle Transport After a Breakdown or Fall

What the law says

Under § 15a para. 4 of German traffic law (StVO), motorcycles may not be towed. The reason is stability: a motorcycle hanging on a rope behind a car tips over easily, and the rider on the motorcycle has almost no control. The motorcycle must instead be transported on a van, a trailer, or a flatbed vehicle.

How the transport works

1. Tell us your location, the model, and its condition: does the motorcycle still roll? Has it fallen over?
2. The motorcycle is lifted or rolled onto the loading bed.
3. It's secured with straps at the designated points.
4. Transport to a garage, home, or another destination.

After a fall

• Don't start the engine if fuel or oil is leaking.
• Attend to anyone injured first; call 112 if there are injuries.
• Turn off the ignition and, if possible, close the fuel valve.
• Take photos of the motorcycle and the scene, in case damage needs to be claimed on insurance.
• Take your clothing and luggage with you.

What to tell us

• Make, model, and approximate weight (important for heavy machines)
• Whether it has fairings, panniers, or a sidecar
• Whether the handlebars or wheels are locked
• Where it is: road, car park, mountain road

Motorcycles in the mountains

In Central Baden and the Black Forest, mountain roads like the Schwarzwaldhochstraße are popular with motorcyclists. For a breakdown in a spot like that, a precise landmark such as a car park or viewpoint helps us. See Towing Service Baden-Baden.

Gear and luggage

Take your helmet, gloves, jacket and luggage with you before the motorcycle is loaded. Panniers and top cases can come loose during transport. It's better to remove them or secure them separately. Also take any fairing parts that came loose in a fall.

Motorcycle no longer rideable: recovery

If the motorcycle is in a ditch or under a crash barrier, recovery is needed first. Tell us this right away on the phone so the right vehicle comes. Don't try to pull it out yourself if you're injured.

Insurance and breakdown cover

Check whether your breakdown cover or automobile club membership also applies to motorcycles. Many policies include it, but not all. Call ahead, or you may end up paying yourself.

Scooters and quads

The same rules apply to scooters as to motorcycles. For quads, trikes, or vehicles with a sidecar, please ask when you call, since the load needs to be secured differently.