Debrecen4U
May 29, 2026
Stricter Electric Scooter Regulations May Be Introduced as Accidents Increase
Electric scooter riders are causing an increasing number of accidents involving personal injury across Hungary. The issue is also becoming more serious in Debrecen, with 19 accidents involving e-scooter riders registered in 2025 by police.
According to a recent survey by Netrisk, motorised scooter riders caused a total of 635 personal injury accidents in Hungary last year, compared to 367 cases a year earlier, representing a 73 per cent increase. Statistics show that e-scooters are now responsible for more than 5 per cent of all road accidents involving personal injury, compared to 2.9 per cent in 2025.
According to experts, one of the main causes of the problem is traffic culture and speed. “Debrecen has intersections and junctions that are already difficult to see through clearly. Scooter riders often travel at speeds where it is simply impossible to notice them in time,” said driving instructor László Horváth. According to the specialist, the current training system is also unable to adequately prepare road users for the specific characteristics of e-scooters. “Driving culture definitely needs to change, but at the same time our opportunities during training to prepare people for these devices are limited,” he added.
The police have also repeatedly drawn attention to the road safety risks. In a previous informational video, officers emphasised that the Highway Code rules apply to e-scooters in the same way as to other vehicles. Riders must stop at red lights and dismount the scooter when crossing pedestrian crossings. Experience shows, however, that many people either do not know or do not follow the rules. “These devices are so quiet that if someone passes behind or beside pedestrians on the pavement, which is prohibited anyway, they can easily go unnoticed,” the police warning stated.
The situation involving scooter riders was also discussed during Thursday’s Debrecen city assembly meeting. Several representatives and local residents noted that these devices are increasingly becoming a source of conflict in the city. “I am certain that there are more scooters in Debrecen than there are police officers in the county,” said Police Chief Tamás Illés, who noted that offences involving scooter riders are appearing more and more frequently during everyday police work. Police are currently handling electric scooters under transitional regulations, in many cases treating them as mopeds. “I have clearly instructed traffic police officers that whenever they observe an offence, they must take action in every case,” the Police Chief stressed. He added that the police have long been awaiting the introduction of the new Highway Code, which is expected to come into force on 1 September 2025 and will clearly regulate the rights and obligations of electric scooter users.
Source and photo credit: dehir.hu
