High-speed electric scooter accident leaves two minors hurt in Lääne-Viru County
In Estonia, the use of electric scooters on public roads by children under 14 is strictly prohibited. For those aged 14 and above, a valid AM-category driver's license is required to legally operate street-legal electric scooters. However, if the speed limiter on the scooter has been disabled, allowing speeds over 25 km/h, a higher category driver's license (A, AM, or B) is necessary, and the scooter must be insured if it weighs more than 25 kilograms.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 16 years of age. Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure that speed limiters are not disabled on their children's scooters for safety reasons.
Recently, a tragic incident occurred in Haljala Parish involving two teenagers aged 13 and 14. While riding an electric scooter on a local bike path, they lost control of the vehicle, which was travelling at more than 70 km/h. The rider was injured and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, while the passenger sustained less severe injuries and was taken to the hospital by their parents.
It was revealed that the speed limiter on the scooter had been removed by one of the teens, which contributed to the high speed at which the accident occurred.
It is important to note that the same driver's license is required for operating motorcycles, mopeds, and cars in Estonia. Parents are advised to occasionally check their children's scooters to ensure that the speed limiters have not been tampered with. Additionally, they should explain to their children that if they are under 16, they must wear a helmet when operating an electric scooter.
These rules aim to ensure the safety and legal compliance of electric scooter use, particularly for young riders. By following these guidelines, parents can help prevent accidents and keep their children safe while enjoying the benefits of electric scooters.
- The tragic incident in Haljala Parish serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to general news and crime-and-justice issues, such as the enforcement of speed limiters on electric scooters to prevent accidents like the one involving the two teenagers.
- Besides helmets, it's crucial for parents to keep abreast of crime-and-justice issues concerning electric scooters, such as ensuring that speed limiters are not tampered with and their children are legally licensed, to promote safety and legal compliance when it comes to their children's sports activities, including the use of electric scooters.
