Polish police warn of rising dangerous electric‑scooter use by youth

Police forces in several Polish towns report a surge in risky electric‑scooter (e‑scooter) behaviour among teenagers. In Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, officers documented 23 offences after stopping 42 riders, including five minors, following videos of youths racing scooters at speeds up to 80 km/h and colliding with cars. Similar concerns arose in Rybnik, where police intensified checks after online videos showed dangerous riding and urged parents to report violations.

Polish traffic law limits e‑scooter speed to 20 km/h on sidewalks and requires use of bike lanes or roads with a 30 km/h limit. Riders under 13 are prohibited from public roads, even under adult supervision, and those aged 13‑18 must hold a bicycle licence or a motorcycle/auto licence category. Violations can lead to fines and legal responsibility for guardians. National data from the Police Headquarters show 1,164 e‑scooter accidents in 2025, up from about 750 the previous year, with 11 fatalities.