Electric scooters continue to pose a danger on the roads: they said children can ride them for several years

Too powerful – dangerous

According to Rimvydas Pocius, the manager of the transport insurance portfolio of clients of the insurance company ERGO Verslo, children often understand electric scooters only as a fun way to spend free time, which can be used despite the necessary security requirements.

“Young drivers are often distracted by headphones and smartphones. However, all distractions only increase the risk of disasters, which are also hampered by the idea that the electric scooter is entertainment. It is worth emphasizing that this vehicle is part of the traffic, and the children who drive it are full-fledged road users, ”said R. Pocius on the importance of responsibility in a press release.

The representative of the insurer recalls that the use of electric scooters is regulated by the Lithuanian Road Traffic Regulations (KET). They state that this vehicle is classified as a motorcycle and therefore scooters must meet the requirements applicable to cyclists.

“When buying children’s scooters, parents should remember that the power of the latter should not exceed 1 kW, and the maximum permissible speed is 25 km / h. Otherwise, such a vehicle will be too powerful and dangerous. Another important aspect they are the allowed places of movement, which scooters tend to ignore, for example, when they go out on the street ”, says the insurance expert.

According to R. Pocius, it is possible to ride an electric scooter in bicycle lanes, pedestrian and bicycle or bicycle lanes, and where they do not exist, on a suitable road. In the absence of the latter, on the sidewalk or in a row on the right side of the road: “But we must remember that when driving on the sidewalk, pedestrians must be respected and the road can only be used after 14 years”.

There are disasters and fines

Speaking about the KET regulation and the need for safety, R. Pocius adds: under the supervision of adults, it is allowed to ride a scooter from the age of 8. According to the representative of the insurer, although there is no age limit for young people who drive scooters close to home, parents must supervise them, not forgetting to teach children proper behavior on the road.

“Therefore, one of the essential lessons is to move the scooter across the intersection. When crossing it, the child should get out of the vehicle and bring the vehicle close. However, the intersections are often crossed while driving, thus creating the conditions for traffic accidents: a sharp turn in the street reduces the possibility of other drivers stopping in time “, assures the interlocutor.

The words of the representative of the insurer are only confirmed by the data of the Lithuanian Highway Police Service. Statistics show that at the beginning of August this year, 38 traffic accidents involving scooters were recorded. During them, 1 person died and 38 were injured. According to officials, the number of events increased by 40% compared to the same period last year, and jumped one and a half times in two years. In 2018, only 7 accidents were recorded.

Advises protect and educate

When asked how to ensure peace when children can skateboard, R. Pocius emphasizes that it is especially important to take proper protective measures.

“KET states that when riding on the road, the scooter must wear a brightly colored vest with light reflecting elements or have white lights on the front of the scooter and red lights on the rear. A safety helmet is also mandatory for all children and adolescents under the age of 18. These protective measures allow other drivers to detect the scooter and ensure that injuries will be avoided in the event of an accident, ”says R. Pocius.

However, according to the interlocutor, the development of children’s consciousness is no less significant: “By acting responsibly along the way, they will not only protect themselves but also others. By riding scooters correctly, children learn the rules and ethics that will be needed later when they get behind the wheel of a car. “