Popular Hungarian spa town bans certain micromobility devices after mounting concerns among residents

From July, the use of several micromobility devices – including electric scooters – will be significantly restricted in Hajdúszoboszló. Local authorities in the bustling resort town say fast-moving riders have increasingly caused problems in crowded central and leisure areas, prompting the introduction of new curbs. The decision is driven not only by local complaints but also by deteriorating accident statistics nationwide. The Tisza government has also pledged action to regulate the rapidly spreading use of such devices.

Riders “speeding past pedestrians” as accidents rise

The municipality will ban the use of electric scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards and Segways – in effect, electrically powered personal transport devices – across several busy zones. The aim is to reduce friction between pedestrians and riders, and to limit the risk of accidents during the peak summer tourist season.

Town officials say the number of high-performance electric scooters has risen sharply in recent years, with riders often travelling at considerable speed in close proximity to pedestrians. While their use will remain permitted on cycle paths, elsewhere they must be pushed or carried by hand, including along promenades, in markets and in the vicinity of schools and nurseries.

Mayor Gyula Czeglédi said action had become unavoidable in light of rising accident numbers and inadequate regulation. Locals complain that riders “go like lightning” and “pay no attention to anything”. Young people interviewed by RTL News, however, suggested the new rules would have little deterrent effect.

The mayor speaking to RTL News:

Record-level accidents nationwide

The clampdown comes as Hungary sees near-record levels of scooter-related accidents. Data from the Dr Jenő Manninger Accident Centre in Budapest show that in the first five months of 2026 alone, two children under 14 have died in scooter accidents, while a 13-year-old boy has been in a coma for months following a serious crash. Between January and May, 745 adults and 449 children were injured in such incidents – a marked increase on the same period last year.

Several serious cases have attracted national attention in recent months. In February, an intoxicated rider suffered severe injuries, while police continue to highlight the frequent absence of protective gear and widespread rule-breaking. Reports from multiple cities have detailed life-threatening injuries, including incidents in which pedestrians were struck by electric scooters.

Legal uncertainty blamed

Behind the rising accident figures lies rapid growth: while 367 personal injury accidents involving scooters were recorded in Hungary in 2024, the number rose to nearly 600 in 2025, and could climb further in 2026. Experts warn that the involvement of children and young people is particularly troubling.

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The government has promised a nationwide response. Draft revisions to the Highway Code (KRESZ) would classify electric scooters into distinct categories based on performance and top speed. Faster models could face stricter rules, including mandatory protective equipment, clearer speed limits and more precisely defined zones of use. Officials argue that the current regulatory ambiguity is contributing to the surge in accidents.

Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy has indicated that regulation of scooters could be introduced even before the new Highway Code is formally adopted, warning that the issue admits of no delay.

Hajdúszoboszló’s decision may yet set a precedent for other tourist hubs. While electric scooters offer a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transport, mounting accident data suggest that, without proper regulation, the micromobility revolution may come at a considerable cost.

Higher speed limits, new scooter and bike rules – fresh Highway Code comes into force soon in Hungary