Reckless Electric Scooter Riding in Zagreb Sparks Public Outrage

A video capturing five young men riding electric scooters and an electric bike in the left lane of a busy Zagreb road has ignited a firestorm of public commentary and concern. The footage, shared on the "Prometne zgode i nezgode" (Traffic Accidents and Incidents) Facebook page, shows four individuals on scooters and one on an electric bike traveling eastbound, with only the first and last riders wearing helmets.

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Four paratroopers... and a fifth who lags a bit.

The scene has drawn nearly 300 comments, with many users expressing disbelief and anger at the apparent disregard for traffic laws and safety. One commenter lamented, "I can't believe what this country allows." Concerns were raised about the inherent dangers of electric scooters, particularly their small wheels, which can easily be destabilized by road damage. The disparity between the requirements for obtaining a license for small motorbikes and the apparent lack of regulation for these electric devices was also questioned.

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I can't believe what this country allows.

Commenters recalled similar incidents, including a 14-year-old boy who reportedly attempted to ride his scooter on the highway. Many questioned the absence of police intervention and called for stricter enforcement, with suggestions ranging from immediate fines and confiscation of scooters to increased penalties for repeat offenders. Some placed responsibility on parents, while others proposed legislative solutions.

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The first and big danger for electric scooter riders is the small diameter of the wheels; a slightly larger asphalt damage will scoop them up with a shovel on the road.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of existing regulations for electric vehicles in Croatia. Since July 30, 2022, amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Act have stipulated that electric scooter riders must use bike paths or lanes when available, or pedestrian areas if necessary, always prioritizing the safety of others. Riding on highways, expressways, or roads exclusively for motorized vehicles is prohibited, carrying a fine of 60 euros. While riders can use certain roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less if permitted by signage, the behavior depicted in the video clearly violates these safety guidelines.

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Stop, sanction, issue a fine, and confiscate the scooter. All in brief. Voted in parliament, effective in a week. Anyone who appeals the sentence and sanction gets another 30 days in prison for free.