In the first seven months of 2026, 384 accidents involving personal mobility devices were recorded, and the average age of hospitalized children is just 13.6 years. Doctors and police warn of the tragic consequences of riding without a helmet.
Dalibor Majsec, assistant chief of the 2nd Traffic Police Station in Zagreb, issued a serious warning on Saturday urging parents not to buy electric scooters for their children, following a series of tragic accidents that have claimed several young lives across Croatia in the past year. In the first seven months of this year alone, 384 traffic accidents involving personal mobility devices, including electric scooters, were recorded.
"Don't buy your children electric scooters and electric devices. They reach higher speeds, and various models are available. Unfortunately, when a traffic accident happens, it's too late, and everyone mourns. Children are unfortunately not aware of the consequences that result from speeding," Majsec stated.
The consequences of reckless riding and lack of protection have become tragically evident in several cases across the country. In Velika Gorica, a ten-year-old died after falling from an electric scooter; in Primošten, a child was seriously injured; and in Makarska, a 14-year-old died in an accident. A common factor in all these cases is that the injured children were not wearing helmets.
Rok Kralj, a specialist in pediatric surgery at the Zagreb Children's Hospital, presented alarming data on the profile of the injured. "The average age of patients hospitalized from mid-last year to mid-this year is 13.6 years. Most commonly, these are fractures of the long bones of the limbs, if we talk about patients admitted for hospital treatment, and the most severe injuries are cerebral, affecting the head," Kralj told HRT.
Despite the growing number of accidents, demand for electric scooters remains strong, and safety awareness is still low. Marko Zrakić, manager of an electronics store, reveals that helmets are purchased with fewer than 50 percent of sold scooters. "We've never had a case where a minor comes in alone to buy a scooter. They usually come with their parents, or parents come alone. For every five scooters, we sell two helmets," Zrakić stated.
These data further emphasize the police's appeal to parents, who are the ones who most often purchase these mobility devices for their children.
The growing number of incidents has also sparked a debate among citizens about the need for stricter regulations. Some European countries, such as Italy, have already introduced more rigorous rules for electric scooter riders, and part of the public believes Croatia should follow suit.
"Of course, strict tightening of regulations as well," said citizen Željko. Marina agrees, sharing her own experience: "It's needed because the other day I almost got killed on a crosswalk." On the other hand, Ljubica believes the key lies in prevention: "Protective measures already exist, but parents should be educated, and children should also undergo training."
According to current regulations, only persons aged 14 and over are allowed to operate electric scooters. Carrying other passengers is prohibited, as is using earphones in both ears. Riders are required to wear a protective helmet, and at night or in reduced visibility conditions, reflective clothing. Movement is allowed on bicycle paths or sidewalks, at speeds limited to 25 kilometers per hour. Fines for violators range from 30 to 1,050 euros.
