On 20 May 2021, an amendment to the Polish Road Traffic Act and some other acts will come into force. This is the first regulation in Poland that introduces a definition of an electric scooter and a personal transport device, and comprehensively regulates the issue of using them on the streets of Polish cities. The act is also an answer to a number of problems that have arisen so far in connection with the use of these devices. The changes have started a dialogue between the authorities of Polish cities and the operators of sharing companies.
New obligations for users of electric scooters and personal transport devices:
- The maximum permitted speed for e-scooters and personal transport devices is 20 km/h,
- Riding these devices is only permitted on bike routes and, as an exception, pavements; riding on the streets is permitted in residential zones,
- The minimum age for riding these vehicles is 10 years, however, people under this age may ride an electric scooter or a personal transport device only in a residential zone and under the supervision of an adult,
- E-scooters must be parked in designated places, or if there are no such places parallel to the outer edge of the pavements,
- Improper parking might result in a fine for removing the device from the road and storing the device, in the amount of up to ca. EUR 30 for removal and ca. EUR 5 for each day of storage,
- Users under the age of 18 are required to hold a bicycle card or a driving licence,
- The new rules also prohibit to ride while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or a substance having a similar effect to alcohol, to carry other persons, animals or objects, and to pull or tow an electric scooter or a personal transport device of other vehicles.
In addition, works are currently underway on a draft regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure which will regulate in detail the technical conditions of vehicles and their necessary equipment. The regulations are planned to enter into force on 1 January 2022. Electric scooters and personal transport devices placed on the market from that day on will have to meet the new technical conditions set out in the projected regulation.
In view of the new obligations, cities are working intensively on designating scooter parking zones and reaching an agreement with e-scooters operators.
Please contact our experts to get more information:
- dr Marcin Chomiuk – Radca prawny (Attorney-at-law) | Partner
- Magdalena Bartnik – Adwokat (Attorney-at-law) | Associate