As of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, new Polish traffic regulations mandate that all riders under 16 must wear a helmet when operating bicycles, electric scooters, or personal transport devices.
Mandatory Helmet Requirements
Effective June 3, 2026, individuals under the age of 16 are legally required to wear a certified protective helmet while operating bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric scooters, and personal transport devices. This change, integrated into the Road Traffic Act, applies to all riders regardless of the environment, including commutes to school or usage on designated cycling infrastructure.
Parental Responsibility and Fines
The burden of compliance falls on parents or legal guardians. Allowing a minor under 16 to operate these vehicles without a proper helmet may result in a fine of up to 100 PLN. This shift moves the requirement from a mere recommendation to a strict legal obligation enforced by law.
Regulations for Younger Children
Specific rules now apply to the transport of children under seven years of age on bicycles. These children must wear a helmet and be seated in an appropriate child seat or a secondary saddle designed for safety. Exceptions are provided only for specific vehicle designs equipped with seat belts where helmet use is structurally impossible.
Age Limits for Electric Scooters
Police remind the public that age restrictions remain in effect for electric scooters and personal transport devices, generally requiring the rider to be at least 13 years old. Children younger than this may only use these devices in residential zones under the direct supervision of an adult.