The government has prepared a fresh regulation that has just been signed by the President. The amendment of the Road Traffic Law changes the safety rules of the youngest road users from 2025. Under the fresh regulations, people under the age of 16 who travel on bicycles, scooters and individual transport equipment, both conventional and electric, are obliged to wear protective helmets. Failure to comply with this work may consequence in a punishment of PLN 100.
Road safety of children
The problem of kid safety on the roads is real. statistic conducted by various public institutions, including the Polish Road Safety Observatory, indicate that in 2024 there were over 450 accidents involving cyclists up to the age of 17. 9 of them died. The number of accidents on e-hulajpods is besides increasing, which has more than doubled between 2022 and 2024!
What changes are there for parents and caregivers?
First of all, the amendment from 2026 requires people to wear helmets up to the age of 16 who travel on roads (including bicycle roads) and public spaces (e.g. parks) with bicycles, scooters and individual transport equipment, regardless of the kind of drive. Legal guardians who may impose a punishment of PLN 100 shall be liable for failure to comply. The amendment provides for exceptions to the provisions for seats, trailers and bicycle trolleys, which are pre-equipped with safety belts, but their plan prevents the kid from wearing a helmet.
In addition, children up to 13 years of age will not be able to direct e-Hulajnog on public roads – only in areas of residence under the care of an adult carer.
Expert position
The European Commission's study confirms that wearing a helmet reduces the number of fatal head injuries by 71%. In addition, it importantly reduces dense and light injuries.
When introducing compulsory helmets for children, Poland joins a group of European countries specified as Sweden, the Czech Republic, Spain or France, where this provision has long existed.
Practical Advice
Parents and carers should be curious in the offer of helmets for children and young people. The average price is PLN 100-150 – one-off expenditure for many years, which has a real impact on safety. It is crucial to choose certified helmets that meet CE and PN-EN standards. The police are already announcing that they will be controlled as with motorcyclists.
Full information about the fresh regulations and tips on helmet selection can be found on the website of CentrumRowerowe.pl: https://www.centrumrowerowe.pl/blog/czy-kask-na-rower-is-obligatory/
