Danish police report a rising number of seizures of illegal electric scooters from children and teenagers, and DR has published guidance for parents on refusing to buy them.
In an article published on September 13, DR reports that several police districts are confiscating a growing number of illegal electric scooters from young riders. The broadcaster spoke to a parent and to a child psychologist about how families handle the conversation.
Under Danish rules, an electric scooter may not be able to travel faster than 20 kilometers per hour, and riders must be at least 15 years old to ride alone. DR notes that many scooters on the market exceed that limit, and that accidents can result in large compensation claims.
Stine Mannik from Gjerlev told DR about her 14-year-old son Julius, who previously owned a scooter that could exceed the legal speed. She had initially allowed the purchase, but changed her mind once he began riding it.
According to DR, Julius later bought another scooter capable of up to 70 kilometers per hour. His mother said she then made clear he would not ride a scooter while living at home, and the scooter was put up for sale unopened.
Police report rising seizures
Østjyllands Politi stated on August 27 that officers see more and more children and young people on illegal scooters, and that several were seized during checks at schools. TV 2 Østjylland reported on September 1 that police have more than 100 confiscated electric scooters stored in Randers and Aarhus.
Similar cases have been logged elsewhere. Syd- og Sønderjyllands Politi said on September 8 that officers seized two scooters that were far too fast, repeating the 20 kilometer per hour limit set by Danish traffic rules.
Bornholms Politi reported on September 10 that two 12-year-olds were stopped while riding electric scooters. The district urged parents to read up on the rules and talk to their children about them.
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In Copenhagen, Københavns Politi said seven people were charged on Amager over illegal electric scooters during a targeted traffic check on September 7. Two of the scooters were seized.
Psychologist: not a negotiation
Julie Bek, a psychologist at the organization Børns Vilkår, told DR that the topic resembles other difficult subjects such as alcohol, social media and gambling. She said children should not be put in a position where they must convince a parent that a scooter is acceptable.
Per Bek, parents should not become anxious about their decision if a child reacts with anger or tears. She said children learn from being disappointed and moving on, and that their emotions should not decide the outcome.
Stine Mannik told DR that parents hold a responsibility because they have knowledge their children do not. She said it is important to stand firm, especially on matters that can cost a child’s life.
