Scooters Reach Motorcycle Speeds, and Children Ride Them. Norway Says "Enough"
The Norwegian government is considering changes to the regulations on the use of electric scooters after a series of dangerous incidents involving teenagers. The latest data from Oslo's emergency services show that the most frequent victims are people aged 14–15. Minister of Transport and Communications Jon-Ivar Nygård has announced a review of the current rules and calls for greater responsibility from young people and their parents.
The government is working on a new strategy to improve road safety.
Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)
Police are sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in cases of riding modified electric scooters. Footage obtained by NRK shows speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. Minister Nygård describes such behavior as extremely risky and emphasizes that it is completely illegal.
He points out that young users and their guardians must pay more attention to the type of equipment being used. He also warns against buying models that can be easily modified or stripped of factory speed limits.
He points out that young users and their guardians must pay more attention to the type of equipment being used. He also warns against buying models that can be easily modified or stripped of factory speed limits.
Statistics and Growing Concerns Among Experts
The Road Safety Council emphasizes that teenagers aged 14–15 are most often admitted to the emergency room. The organization points out that young drivers do not always properly assess risks and the scale of danger.
According to Christoffer Solstad Steen, riding at extreme speeds without any protection can lead to the most serious consequences. The expert notes that many people use scooters that were never designed for such performance. Parental involvement and more effective control over the equipment children use are needed.
According to Christoffer Solstad Steen, riding at extreme speeds without any protection can lead to the most serious consequences. The expert notes that many people use scooters that were never designed for such performance. Parental involvement and more effective control over the equipment children use are needed.
Debate Over Raising the Minimum Age for Users
The Road Safety Council proposes raising the minimum age to 16, arguing that the youngest users lack maturity. Currently, children as young as 12 can legally use scooters. Some models can be unlocked via the manufacturer's app, while others can be modified by removing a specific cable harness.
Police in Vestfold have reported many cases where children searched online for instructions on how to make such modifications themselves. The organization considers these practices extremely risky and life-threatening.
Police in Vestfold have reported many cases where children searched online for instructions on how to make such modifications themselves. The organization considers these practices extremely risky and life-threatening.
Since 2020, 12 people have died in accidents involving electric scooters.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license (illustrative photo)
Politicians Focus on Education
The proposal to change the regulations does not have full support in the political sphere. Bård Hoksrud from the Progress Party believes that those who choose to ride so fast and illegally will ignore any new regulation. In his opinion, user education is key.
He stresses that the rider is responsible for their own behavior and must be aware of the dangers to themselves and others. Jone Blikra from the Labour Party shares a similar view, noting that regulations exist but must be followed.
He stresses that the rider is responsible for their own behavior and must be aware of the dangers to themselves and others. Jone Blikra from the Labour Party shares a similar view, noting that regulations exist but must be followed.
New Regulations in Preparation
Minister Nygård announces that work is underway on new road safety action plans, and raising the user age to 16 is one of the options being considered. Decisions will be made after analyzing available data and consulting with experts and social organizations.
Authorities emphasize that future regulations are intended to improve safety without introducing excessive restrictions. The final shape of the new rules will depend on the effectiveness of current measures and further developments on the roads.
Authorities emphasize that future regulations are intended to improve safety without introducing excessive restrictions. The final shape of the new rules will depend on the effectiveness of current measures and further developments on the roads.
How do you rate this article?