How should you ride a scooter around the city?
Put simply, under road traffic law a traditional scooter is treated like a pedestrian, while an electric scooter is almost a slow-moving vehicle. What is the difference? We explain.
The arrival of wheeled devices used for getting around, but which are not bicycles, has caused considerable confusion in road traffic regulations. These include skateboards, inline skates, Segways and city scooters. The law aims to protect pedestrians, but people riding scooters also have that status.
There is a paradox here: people riding traditional scooters often use cycle paths at speeds higher than walking pace and closer to those of cyclists. However, the law assumes that a person riding a scooter at walking pace should use the pavement which is not always met with understanding by pedestrians, particularly because adult riders travel faster than they would without the device.
And 'device' is currently the best term for a scooter in legal terminology. But that is not the end of the story.
Absurd regulations
What is certain is that a scooter cannot be used on the carriageway because it is not a vehicle within the meaning of the regulations. It is considered a device intended for recreation and sport, as best illustrated by stunt scooters, and therefore for use away from public roads. Since a person riding a scooter is not the driver of a vehicle, pedestrian rules apply: they must use the pavement or footpath, or the roadside verge if neither is available. If there is no verge or it cannot temporarily be used, a pedestrian — and therefore, paradoxically, someone on a scooter — may use the carriageway. They must then stay as close as possible to the road's edge and, when necessary, give way to approaching vehicles. A pedestrian may use a cycle path when there is no pavement or verge, or when these cannot be used. Therefore, if you travel faster than a pedestrian on a scooter, you are doing so unlawfully both on the pavement and on a cycle path.
Electric scooters are also a legal headache. They, too, are not classified as vehicles within the meaning of the law, yet they can easily travel faster than walking pace and can be used by people who are not adults. Interestingly, these devices are increasingly being used in large cities to complement public transport because of their mobility — even more so than city bicycles, partly because of their small size — as well as their economy and environmental benefits. Unfortunately, they have been keeping lawmakers awake for some time.
A gap in the regulations
As far back as 2017, there was a proposal to introduce the term 'personal transport devices' into the regulations. This would allow users of these devices, both muscle-powered and those with an electric motor designed to limit speed to 25 km/h and a width not exceeding 90 cm, to use cycle paths, among other places. However, the idea stalled. The amendment introduced, among other things, the definition of a 'pedestrian using a personal transport device', who would be required to travel only on cycle paths. However, it was concluded that, combined with the other provisions on pedestrian rights and vehicle use, such a classification would allow people to ride scooters or Segways while intoxicated. There were also doubts about marking this equipment according to vehicle regulations — although it is not a vehicle — including how visible it should be to other road users. It is worth knowing, however, that these restrictions do not apply in residential zones, where users of devices such as scooters may use the entire width of the road and pavement.
It could be said that devices such as scooters currently sit uneasily with road traffic law. Even police representatives have difficulty finding an appropriate term for them. In the absence of legal standards, a scooter is sometimes even described as a toy. Yet this 'toy' is growing more popular year after year, particularly during the summer and holiday seasons.
A solution for now
What is the solution for the time being? Accept and adapt to the current legal situation. Under Article 2, point 18 of Poland's Road Traffic Law, a person travelling on a scooter, among other devices, is treated as a pedestrian. In practice, this means that a scooter should be used in a way that does not endanger either the rider or other road users, respecting the regulations that apply to pedestrians and vehicle drivers alike.
Choosing the right equipment also matters for everyday travel around the city. Adult scooters differ in wheel size, deck width and folding mechanisms. It is worth comparing these features, particularly if you intend to use the scooter regularly to commute to work or university.
On routes with uneven pavements, useful options include scooters with shock absorption, which reduce vibrations while riding. If you frequently need to slow down or stop, pay attention to scooters with a hand brake. Suitable equipment makes controlling speed easier, although it does not replace caution and compliance with the regulations.
If a child uses a scooter, it is particularly important to choose equipment suited to their height and skills. Children's scooters come in different sizes and designs, so before buying it is worth checking the height of the handlebars, the weight of the model and the braking options. Children should also know the basic rules for safely moving around in areas shared with pedestrians.
Throughout all this, remember to look after your own safety by buying helmets and protective pads, as well as considering the safety of the people around you.
How should you ride a scooter around the city?
Put simply, under road traffic law a traditional scooter is treated like a pedestrian, while an electric scooter is almost a slow-moving vehicle. What is the difference? We explain.
The arrival of wheeled devices used for getting around, but which are not bicycles, has caused considerable confusion in road traffic regulations. These include skateboards, inline skates, Segways and city scooters. The law aims to protect pedestrians, but people riding scooters also have that status.
There is a paradox here: people riding traditional scooters often use cycle paths at speeds higher than walking pace and closer to those of cyclists. However, the law assumes that a person riding a scooter at walking pace should use the pavement which is not always met with understanding by pedestrians, particularly because adult riders travel faster than they would without the device.
And 'device' is currently the best term for a scooter in legal terminology. But that is not the end of the story.
Absurd regulations
What is certain is that a scooter cannot be used on the carriageway because it is not a vehicle within the meaning of the regulations. It is considered a device intended for recreation and sport, as best illustrated by stunt scooters, and therefore for use away from public roads. Since a person riding a scooter is not the driver of a vehicle, pedestrian rules apply: they must use the pavement or footpath, or the roadside verge if neither is available. If there is no verge or it cannot temporarily be used, a pedestrian — and therefore, paradoxically, someone on a scooter — may use the carriageway. They must then stay as close as possible to the road's edge and, when necessary, give way to approaching vehicles. A pedestrian may use a cycle path when there is no pavement or verge, or when these cannot be used. Therefore, if you travel faster than a pedestrian on a scooter, you are doing so unlawfully both on the pavement and on a cycle path.
Electric scooters are also a legal headache. They, too, are not classified as vehicles within the meaning of the law, yet they can easily travel faster than walking pace and can be used by people who are not adults. Interestingly, these devices are increasingly being used in large cities to complement public transport because of their mobility — even more so than city bicycles, partly because of their small size — as well as their economy and environmental benefits. Unfortunately, they have been keeping lawmakers awake for some time.
A gap in the regulations
As far back as 2017, there was a proposal to introduce the term 'personal transport devices' into the regulations. This would allow users of these devices, both muscle-powered and those with an electric motor designed to limit speed to 25 km/h and a width not exceeding 90 cm, to use cycle paths, among other places. However, the idea stalled. The amendment introduced, among other things, the definition of a 'pedestrian using a personal transport device', who would be required to travel only on cycle paths. However, it was concluded that, combined with the other provisions on pedestrian rights and vehicle use, such a classification would allow people to ride scooters or Segways while intoxicated. There were also doubts about marking this equipment according to vehicle regulations — although it is not a vehicle — including how visible it should be to other road users. It is worth knowing, however, that these restrictions do not apply in residential zones, where users of devices such as scooters may use the entire width of the road and pavement.
It could be said that devices such as scooters currently sit uneasily with road traffic law. Even police representatives have difficulty finding an appropriate term for them. In the absence of legal standards, a scooter is sometimes even described as a toy. Yet this 'toy' is growing more popular year after year, particularly during the summer and holiday seasons.
A solution for now
What is the solution for the time being? Accept and adapt to the current legal situation. Under Article 2, point 18 of Poland's Road Traffic Law, a person travelling on a scooter, among other devices, is treated as a pedestrian. In practice, this means that a scooter should be used in a way that does not endanger either the rider or other road users, respecting the regulations that apply to pedestrians and vehicle drivers alike.
Choosing the right equipment also matters for everyday travel around the city. Adult scooters differ in wheel size, deck width and folding mechanisms. It is worth comparing these features, particularly if you intend to use the scooter regularly to commute to work or university.
On routes with uneven pavements, useful options include scooters with shock absorption, which reduce vibrations while riding. If you frequently need to slow down or stop, pay attention to scooters with a hand brake. Suitable equipment makes controlling speed easier, although it does not replace caution and compliance with the regulations.
If a child uses a scooter, it is particularly important to choose equipment suited to their height and skills. Children's scooters come in different sizes and designs, so before buying it is worth checking the height of the handlebars, the weight of the model and the braking options. Children should also know the basic rules for safely moving around in areas shared with pedestrians.
Throughout all this, remember to look after your own safety by buying helmets and protective pads, as well as considering the safety of the people around you.