Police target speeding electric scooters in Sweden

Police in Gothenburg, Sweden, are cracking down on electric scooters following a dramatic rise in accidents and reckless behavior. Officers describe riders operating scooters on sidewalks, against traffic, and running red lights, narrowly avoiding collisions with buses and trams.

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They drive as they please. On sidewalks, against the direction of travel, against red lights. When I walked out of the police station the other day, I was almost hit by an electric scooter outside the door.

"They drive as they please," said area police officer Fredric Karnerfors. "On sidewalks, against the direction of travel, against red lights. When I walked out of the police station the other day, I was almost hit by an electric scooter outside the door."

The primary concern is the "explosive" increase in scooter-related accidents in Sweden. A recent incident saw a scooter split in half after being hit by a tram, leaving the rider with facial and foot injuries. "They are unprotected road users, so the risk of injury is high, and most people ride without helmets," explained community police officer Gustaf Heimbrand. "The injuries can be very serious, to hands, face, everything. It's especially serious for young people who have their whole lives ahead of them."

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They are unprotected road users, so the risk of injury is high, and most people ride without helmets. The injuries can be very serious, to hands, face, everything. It's especially serious for young people who have their whole lives ahead of them.

While many rental scooters are speed-limited, powerful private models capable of reaching 50, 80, or even 110 kilometers per hour are becoming more common. These can be easily purchased by children and teenagers. If an electric scooter exceeds 20 kilometers per hour, it is legally classified as a moped or motorcycle, requiring a driver's license. Failure to comply can result in charges of illegal driving, with parents potentially liable if a minor is caught operating such a vehicle.

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They can drive at 50 kilometers per hour, some up to 80 or 110. They are quite easily accessible to children and teenagers. You can order them for a couple of thousand [kronor] and then just ride.