
Review of regulations regarding electric scooters in European countries and plans for legislative changes in Poland.
AI-generated summary
The increase in the number of accidents involving electric scooters is prompting European countries to tighten safety regulations.
The fight against irresponsible behavior of electric scooter users continues across Europe.
In Ireland, scooters can only be used by adults with a driving license, and helmets and reflective vests are mandatory when riding.
In many countries, such as Greece, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands, it is mandatory to purchase third party liability insurance. In Greece, the penalty for not having insurance is a fine of EUR 250 (approx. PLN 1,100), and driving without a helmet or headphones is another EUR 150 fine. In Spain and Germany, scooters must be registered, and in Germany, vehicles receive special stickers with information about current insurance.
In France, third party liability insurance has been mandatory for three years, although registration is not required.
Strict regulations apply in the Netherlands - there, scooters are treated like mopeds, they require approval, license plates and third party liability insurance. From 2027, only adults will be able to use them.
In Austria, people under 16 years of age must wear a safety helmet while driving. The Austrian legislator also decided to tighten the regulations regarding the permissible blood alcohol level for drivers of scooters and other electric bikes. The new limit is 0.5 per mille - previously it was 0.8 per mille.
What's next for scooters in Poland?
For now, the Polish government does not plan to introduce mandatory registration or third party liability insurance for electric scooters. The helmet requirement only applies to persons under 16 years of age, and the minimum age for wearer is 13 years. However, the growing number of accidents and increasingly restrictive regulations in other countries may soon force further changes
According to the latest proposals, all electric scooters manufactured after April 1, 2027 will have to have factory locks that prevent the speed from exceeding 20 km/h. Currently, such a restriction already exists, but it is easy to bypass it. Now the Transport Technical Supervision is to inspect both devices sold in Poland and parts imported from abroad.
However, this is not the end of the changes. As of January 1, 2027, higher fines may come into force: at least PLN 100 for driving on the sidewalk at excessive speed and for failing to give way to pedestrians.
An incorrectly parked scooter will result in a fine of PLN 200.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Introduction of factory speed locks up to 20 km/h from April 1, 2027.
Likely · Within years
Increase in fines for driving on the sidewalk and illegal parking from January 1, 2027.
Likely · Within years

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