From Iceland — Children Younger Than 13 Cannot Use Certain Electric Scooters

Children Younger Than 13 Cannot Use Certain Electric Scooters

Published June 2, 2020

Nico Borbely
Photo by
Stöð 2/Vísir

Children will have to be at least 13 years old in order to be able to use electric scooters capable of speeds exceeding 25 km/hr in accordance with laws and company regulations, Fréttablaðið reports. This was stated by nurse Herdís L. Storggard in a post on the Facebook page of a project titled “Childhood Accident and Awareness.”

It is further stated that this recommendation, that children under 13 avoid riding faster than 25 km/hr on scooters, is specified by the wheel manufacturer in the device information. Therefore, it is very important that parents familiarize themselves with the instructions before buying the scooter.

“Strict requirements apply to the manufacturer and the development of the product in order to guarantee the safety of the child,” Herdís says. “Although the device is safe, there is a serious risk of accidents if it is used by children who are too young or immature to manage it properly.”

Herdís goes on to say that different renters have their own rules regarding age limits for scooter rentals and that this information can be found on their websites. With most companies only rent them to legal adults, most of their age limits are 18 years of age.

She concludes by reminding readers that riders younger than 16 are required by law to wear helmets.

Note: Due to the effect the Coronavirus is having on tourism in Iceland, it’s become increasingly difficult for the Grapevine to survive. If you enjoy our content and want to help the Grapevine’s journalists do things like eat and pay rent, please consider joining our High Five Club.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Show Me More!