Lithuanian lawmakers look to better discipline electric scooter riders

Lithuania's Seimas is debating amendments that would empower municipal public order officers to enforce traffic rules for micromobility vehicles, a task currently handled by police. Supporters argue that expanding enforcement powers would allow police to focus on more serious offenses while improving compliance with traffic regulations.

Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas stated that the issue is not only about road safety but also about the efficient allocation of state resources. He emphasized that police officers should be deployed where their expertise and powers are most needed.

Police acknowledge that the growing number of micromobility vehicles has made enforcement increasingly difficult due to limited resources. Vytautas Grašys, head of the Traffic Police Service, said officers regularly conduct inspections and use surveillance cameras to detect violations such as riding without helmets or carrying passengers on e-scooters. So far this year, police have identified 301 people operating micromobility vehicles while intoxicated.

Municipal authorities agree that stricter enforcement is needed but say they lack the personnel to take on additional responsibilities. Kaunas Vice Mayor Andrius Palionis noted that the workload of public order officers is already very high and close to its limit. He added that if another function is added, the issue of resources must also be addressed.

Vilnius public order officials said the additional powers would allow officers already patrolling the city to act immediately when they witness traffic violations by e-scooter or electric bicycle riders. If approved by the Seimas, the amendments would take effect in November.