As of June 3, 2026, new regulations aimed at improving the safety of the youngest road users will come into force in Poland. Under the new rules, cyclists and people riding electric scooters or personal mobility devices (PMDs) under the age of 16 will be required to wear protective helmets.
The introduction of the new rules responds to the need for better protection of children and young people from the effects of accidents and road collisions. As experts working in road safety emphasize, head injuries are among the most serious consequences of incidents involving young users of bicycles and scooters. A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries and, in many cases, save a person’s health or even life.
The new regulations will apply to all people under the age of 16 who travel by bicycle, electric scooter or another personal mobility device. The requirement will cover both daily journeys to school and recreational riding on roads, bicycle paths or areas designated for such vehicles.
The Police and institutions concerned with safety have for years drawn attention to the need to develop proper habits from the earliest years.
Wearing a helmet is one of the basic elements of responsible bicycle and scooter use, just like following road traffic regulations and being considerate of other road users.
Parents and guardians also play a particularly important role in building awareness. They most often influence children’s daily behavior and can set an example of responsible use of road infrastructure. Experts remind us that the safety of the youngest depends not only on the new regulations, but also on consistent compliance with the rules by all road users.
The services also appeal to people to exercise particular caution near schools, pedestrian crossings, playgrounds and other places where children often spend time. Responsibility for the safety of the youngest rests with parents, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as drivers.
The new regulations are intended to help reduce the number of serious injuries and increase awareness of road safety. Their main objective is to protect the health and lives of children who use bicycles, electric scooters and other personal mobility devices every day.