The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure is drafting changes to two laws and one regulation to tighten controls over electric scooters and bikes due to pedestrian safety risks. According to Infrastructure Minister Klimczak, the new rules aim to standardize technical specifications and grant the Transport Technical Supervision (TDT) authority over which personal transport devices (UTO) enter the Polish market.
Ministry of Infrastructure Targets Vehicle Homologation and Driver Laws
Minister Klimczak announced during a press conference at the Vistula Boulevards in Krakow that the ministry is revising the Act on vehicle homologation systems and their equipment and the Act on vehicle drivers. The resort is also updating the regulation regarding the technical conditions of vehicles.
These changes target the “huge problem” with various electric inventions entering the market, which Klimczak says creates confusion for police and other services regarding whether a device is an electric scooter, an electric bike, or another type of personal transport device.
New Technical Standards to Prevent Speed Modifications
The government intends to establish precise technical conditions to define what constitutes an electric scooter, specifically regarding power and speed. Klimczak stated that these regulations should prevent the uncontrolled modification of vehicles to increase their top speed.
Under the proposed framework, the TDT would have the authority to block modified vehicles from entering the market or withdraw them from circulation. To enforce these rules, police would be equipped with brake testers (hamownie), and city guards would receive expanded powers to inspect these vehicles.
Proposed Infrastructure for Scooter Parking
Beyond technical specs, the proposed regulations would address where scooters are left. Klimczak noted that the rules would cover designated areas for leaving vehicles to facilitate the creation of specific points for renting and returning them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laws is the Ministry of Infrastructure changing?
The ministry is working on changes to the Act on vehicle homologation systems and their equipment, the Act on vehicle drivers, and the regulation on the technical conditions of vehicles.
What role will the Transport Technical Supervision (TDT) play?
The TDT would decide which personal transport devices can be introduced for use in Poland and would have the power to block or withdraw modified vehicles from traffic.
How will the police and city guards enforce these new rules?
Police would be equipped with brake testers to check technical specs, and city guards would have expanded powers to control and inspect these vehicles.
