Norwegian authorities are moving to tighten regulations for electric scooters following a dramatic surge in accidents. Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård announced new safety measures after injury statistics doubled in Oslo. The government will consider raising the legal riding age from 12 to 15 years. They also plan to give municipalities power to ban sidewalk riding and prohibit sales of illegally modified scooters.
Minister Nygård expressed particular concern about teenage riders. We see that 13 to 15 year olds stand out considerably in accident statistics, he stated. The immaturity of younger people might be a contributing factor. The minister emphasized that reducing accidents and improving safety for all road users remains the primary goal.
Kamzy Gunaratnam, deputy chair of the parliamentary transport committee, highlighted ongoing legislative work. The Storting is considering proposals to give municipalities more tools to regulate e-scooters, she confirmed. Local adaptations are necessary because conditions differ greatly between urban and rural areas.
Medical professionals strongly support the regulatory changes. Emergency physician Henrik Siverts reported treating 6,800 e-scooter injuries since 2019. He noted that 55 fifteen-year-olds were injured just through October this year. We see 5-6 percent serious injuries including head trauma, bleeding and fractures that can cause permanent damage, Siverts warned. He described the 2021 night riding experiment as completely extreme, requiring additional nighttime staffing at emergency clinics.
Safety organization Trygg Trafikk advocates for both age restrictions and helmet requirements. The most important measure is raising the age limit, said spokesperson Christoffer Solstad Steen. Twelve-year-olds can legally ride scooters that reach 20 kilometers per hour, and many are easily modified to go faster. He called helmet mandates a simple, affordable way to reduce head injuries.
Oslo residents expressed mixed but generally supportive views of stricter rules. Tuva Eikebrokk, who works at a hospital, sees many e-scooter accidents. Banning riding on sidewalks seems very reasonable, she commented. Bikes belong on roads or in bike lanes. Petter Aalstad suggested dedicated lanes might help, while his friend Christian Sørskog-Mørkhaugen supported age restrictions.
Helge Rosenberg from Bærum described broader traffic challenges. The traffic situation is demanding, especially when people ride over crosswalks and on sidewalks, he observed. He noted problems with haphazard parking and excessive speed that create difficulties for strollers and elderly pedestrians.
The proposed changes reflect Norway's practical approach to urban mobility challenges. As e-scooter popularity grows, authorities balance innovation with public safety. The government's actions demonstrate how Nordic countries typically regulate new technologies through measured, evidence-based policies. These regulations could set precedents for other nations facing similar micro-mobility dilemmas.
Norway's transport ministry will now develop specific legislative proposals for parliamentary consideration. The process will include public consultation and technical reviews. Implementation would likely occur in phases, giving riders and rental companies time to adapt. The outcome could significantly reshape urban transportation patterns across Norwegian cities.