Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
Generally not on the pavement: you ride on cycle paths or the road. An e-scooter is ridden primarily on a cycle path or cycle lane at up to 20 km/h. On the road you may ride only where there's no cycle path and the speed limit doesn't exceed 30 km/h. On the pavement — only exceptionally (no cycle path and the road limit is over 30 km/h), at a pace close to a pedestrian's (about 6 km/h), giving way to pedestrians. An amendment to the Road Traffic Act (signed 25 November 2025) raised the minimum age to 13 (from 3 June 2026) and introduced a helmet requirement for under-16s (from 3 March 2026). Only one person per scooter is allowed, and riding under the influence of alcohol is banned.
📋 The rules
- Ride on a cycle path or road; max 20 km/h
- On the pavement only exceptionally, at walking pace (~6 km/h)
- Minimum age 13 (from 3 June 2026)
- Helmet required for under-16s (from 3 March 2026)
- One person per scooter; no riding after alcohol
🔓 Exceptions
- Child under 13: only in a residential zone, under adult supervision
- Riding on the road is allowed where there's no cycle path and the limit is max 30 km/h
- On the pavement a pedestrian always has priority
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Riding on the pavement faster than a pedestrian risks a fine of about 300 zł, and failing to give way to a pedestrian about 350 zł. Riding across a pedestrian crossing (instead of wheeling the scooter) is about 100 zł. Riding after alcohol (0.2–0.5 per mille) costs about 1,000 zł, and more above that. For a child's missing helmet the parent or guardian is liable (a fine of about 20 to 100 zł). Combined, fines can reach 2,500 zł. Before riding, check whether the road has a dedicated cycle path, adjust your speed, don't carry a passenger and remember a helmet if you're under 16.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Road Traffic Act →
- Financial Ombudsman · New e-scooter rules →
- Police · E-scooter riding rules →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
Only exceptionally. As a rule you ride on a cycle path or the road. The pavement is allowed when there's no cycle path and the road speed limit exceeds 30 km/h — then you move at a pace close to a pedestrian's and give way to pedestrians.
What's the maximum e-scooter speed?
20 km/h. That's the design and administrative speed limit for an e-scooter in traffic. On the pavement, in the exceptionally allowed cases, the speed must be much lower — close to a pedestrian's pace, around 6 km/h.
What's the minimum age for an e-scooter?
From 3 June 2026 the minimum age is 13. A child under 13 may ride an e-scooter only in a residential zone and under adult supervision. The age limit used to be lower — the amendment raised it.
Is a helmet mandatory?
From 3 March 2026 a helmet is mandatory for people under 16. Older riders have no such statutory obligation, though a helmet always improves safety. For a child's missing helmet the parent or guardian is liable.
Can I ride an e-scooter after drinking?
No. Riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Already at 0.2–0.5 per mille a fine of about 1,000 zł applies, and above that the consequences are harsher. In traffic an e-scooter is subject to rules similar to other vehicles.
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