Sweden police warn of dangerous electric scooter ride outs

Swedish police are issuing warnings regarding the dangerous use of high-powered electric scooters by youths. In Norrköping, authorities have observed “ride outs” organized via social media, where participants are encouraged to bring fireworks and attempt to provoke police chases. Local police warn that these activities pose a high risk of injury and place additional strain on the healthcare system.

Legal regulations in Sweden specify that an electric scooter is no longer classified as a bicycle if it exceeds a maximum speed of 20 km/h or has a continuous motor power of more than 250 watts. In such cases, a Class 1 moped license is required. Parents are warned that providing children with illegal scooters can lead to criminal charges for permitting unlawful driving and may result in the revocation of the parent's driver's license.

Safety guidelines include requirements for riders under 15 to wear helmets, prohibitions on carrying passengers, and mandates to use cycle paths rather than sidewalks. Scooters must also be equipped with brakes, bells, and lights for dark conditions.