Poland Enforces New Helmet Law for Young Cyclists and Scooter Riders

Poland has introduced a stricter road‑traffic regulation that obliges children and teenagers up to 16 years old to wear helmets while riding bicycles, electric scooters and similar personal‑mobility devices. The rule, effective from 3 June 2026, also bans carrying passengers on electric scooters and limits their speed to 30 km/h.

Police have begun enforcing the law. In Kędzierzyn‑Koźle two adults were caught riding a bicycle while heavily intoxicated—one with a blood‑alcohol level of 2.3 ‰ and the other close to 3 ‰—and were fined 2 500 zł each. A separate incident in Józefowie involved a 13‑year‑old and a 15‑year‑old on an electric scooter who collided with a car. Both wore helmets, which helped avoid serious injuries, though they suffered bruises. The accident highlighted the new helmet requirement and the prohibition on riding with a passenger, which the teens violated. Authorities warn that non‑compliance can lead to fines, civil liability for vehicle damage and possible criminal charges.