According to a representative public opinion survey commissioned by “Lietuvos draudimas,” 69% of the country’s residents identify scooters as the greatest risk factor for children’s safety in traffic. Other major safety concerns are phone use (61%) and insufficient attention on the road (44%), the survey results show.
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According to “Lietuvos draudimas” data, 880 claims related to children aged 6–18 riding bicycles or scooters were registered during the 2021–2025 period. The majority of these claims (740 cases) involved injuries to children sustained during traffic accidents or incidents. Most often these were injuries to hands and legs, but injuries to teeth, face, head, and neck were also recorded.
“Children often overestimate their abilities, choosing too high a speed or reacting too late to obstacles. Balance can be lost more quickly when turning sharply, braking, riding over road irregularities, curbs, stones, or wet surfaces. Even without colliding with another road user, such a fall often results in serious injury,” says Aurelija Kazlauskienė, Director of Strategy, Customer, and Marketing Department at “Lietuvos draudimas.”
The expert notes that the risk is also increased because electric scooters accelerate quickly, and their small wheels are very sensitive to road irregularities. It may also be harder for a child to accurately judge the distance needed to stop safely, especially when riding at higher speeds or on wet surfaces.
Company data shows that more than two-thirds of all scooter-related claims (72%) were registered from May to September, when these micro-mobility devices are used most intensively.
Do the rules apply to everyone, just not me?
A 2025 student survey conducted by the Transport Competence Agency (TKA), involving more than 11.8 thousand children, revealed significant gaps in safe behavior. While riding scooters, 81% of observed students did not wear helmets, 49% did not wear helmets while cycling, and 85% reported riding bicycles and scooters across pedestrian crossings, although traffic rules prohibit this.
A. Kazlauskienė reminds that riding an electric scooter or other electric micro-mobility device on bike paths, bike lanes, or the roadway is allowed from age 16, and from age 14 only after completing a prescribed training course and having a school-issued certificate. There is no age limit in residential courtyards, but children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.
“Before allowing a child to use an electric scooter, it is first necessary to assess whether riding is permitted in the chosen location and whether the child is prepared – able to control speed, observe the surroundings, and respond appropriately in unexpected situations. It is also essential to discuss the main rules in advance: dismount and walk the scooter across pedestrian crossings, do not carry passengers, and do not endanger pedestrians with your actions,” says A. Kazlauskienė.
From the beginning of 2026, helmets will be mandatory for all users of electric micro-mobility devices, regardless of age. According to the expert, the helmet must be the correct size, fit securely on the head, and always be fastened.
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“Even a short trip on a familiar route is not a reason to ride without a protective helmet. However, responsibility for children on the road lies not only with them – other road users who notice them should reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, and avoid sudden and hard-to-predict maneuvers,” emphasizes A. Kazlauskienė.
The number of injured children is increasing
Data collected by TKA shows that the threat to children’s health on streets and roads is posed not only by scooters but also by bicycles and other motorized mobility devices.
In 2025, compared to the 2022–2024 average, the number of injured cyclists in the age group up to 11 years more than doubled – their number increased from 21 to 45.
Among children aged 12–17, the number of injured bicycle riders and passengers last year was 72, which is 38% more than the average of the previous three years, according to TKA data.
The number of injured teenagers driving more powerful vehicles also increased. In 2025, there were 126 injured motorcycle and moped riders in the 12–17 age group, 58% more than the 2022–2024 average. A quarter of the drivers injured last year in this group did not have a driving license.
In September – additional attention to children’s safety
“Lietuvos draudimas” has been running the social responsibility initiative “Protect Me” for 27 years, aimed at increasing children’s safety on roads. Every September, all schoolchildren in the country are automatically insured against accidents on streets and roads with coverage up to 5,000 euros. Company employees also voluntarily conduct safe traffic lessons for primary school students in various Lithuanian schools.
More information about the “Protect Me” campaign and registration for primary school safe traffic lessons.
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