Norway is preparing major changes. Will they finally tighten the rules for scooters?

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) admits that the country is far from achieving its road safety targets. In the past 12 months, 112 people have died on the roads, while the set target was 73. The difference remains significant. By 2030, the number of fatalities is to be reduced to a maximum of 50, and the number of seriously injured to 350. By 2050, no one should die on Norwegian roads.

More and more young people are using ATVs (quads) and UTVs (light off-road vehicles). Statens vegvesen pays particular attention to drivers aged 16–17, who can operate such vehicles before obtaining a car driving license. Currently, a tractor license is sufficient. However, it does not provide training specifically tailored for ATVs and UTVs. Therefore, a separate driving license category is being prepared.

Mandatory helmet use on ATVs is also being considered. Road safety director Guro Ranes points out that the driver of such a vehicle is poorly protected in the event of a rollover. ATV dealer Vegard Thomassen also highlights cases of small children being transported without helmets. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Jamie Grøtte admits he uses a helmet that is not approved. In his opinion, the introduction of new regulations by the authorities is taking too long.

Changes may also affect users of electric scooters. Currently, the minimum age is 12, but raising the limit to 15 or 16 is being considered. Mandatory helmet use is also under review. Statens vegvesen is also examining the possibility of introducing a nationwide ban on riding electric scooters on sidewalks. Such a rule would apply regardless of the decisions of individual municipalities.

The ban on riding on sidewalks is supported by Eline Oftedal from the Norwegian Cyclists' Association (Syklistenes Landsforening). In her opinion, sidewalks should remain a safe space for pedestrians, but new restrictions require appropriate cycling infrastructure. A similar position is presented by Øystein Sundelin from Voi. He points to dangerous situations and the sense of threat caused by scooters on sidewalks. In his view, in large Norwegian cities, sidewalks are primarily intended for pedestrians.

The Ministry of Transport has already received a recommendation regarding mandatory helmet use on ATVs. However, State Secretary Jakob Vorren reports that there is no date yet for the possible implementation of the new rules. At the same time, work is underway on a separate driving license for ATVs and UTVs, as well as on the possibility of independently introducing a universal helmet requirement.