Romania Senate adopts mandatory helmet law for electric vehicle users

The Romanian Senate has passed a legislative project that would make wearing a protective helmet mandatory for all users of electric scooters and electric bicycles on public roads, regardless of age. The measure, which passed with 98 votes in favor and one abstention, seeks to amend the Road Code to mitigate the risk of traumatic brain injuries caused by falls or collisions.

Currently, helmet requirements only apply to cyclists and electric vehicle users under the age of 16. Under the new proposal, adults would also be required to wear approved and properly fastened helmets. The bill must now proceed to the Chamber of Deputies for further debate before it can be enacted into law.

Separately, the Bucharest General Council has approved new regulations specifically targeting rental e-scooter services. These rules include a minimum age requirement of 18 for renters, with an exception for 16-year-olds holding specific driving permits. The regulations also prohibit riding on sidewalks, in parks, or in pedestrian-only zones, and mandate that operators use GPS to enforce restrictions in certain areas. Non-compliance by operators can result in fines of up to 10,000 lei.