Twelve-year-old flees from police on e-scooter at 80 km/h in Lower Austria

During the flight, the second rider repeatedly veered into the oncoming lane, thereby endangering other road users. Police also reported that the boy disregarded right-of-way rules and lost control in several curves. It was only after a chase of around two kilometers that the second twelve-year-old was also stopped.

High-speed flight

The two e-scooter riders are two twelve-year-olds from the district of Tulln. They later stated that their respective e-scooters, when fully charged, can reach speeds of up to 57 km/h. According to other accounts, the devices are even said to allow speeds of up to 90 km/h. The maximum permitted speed for e-scooters in Austria is 25 km/h.

Police pointed out that the technical vehicle inspection on July 7, 2026 had been carried out together with experts from the state government. The aim of the operation was to increase road safety and to take improperly equipped or tampered e-scooters off the roads. The officers determined that the two twelve-year-olds had been riding non-approved devices.

Police announced that the parents of the two boys would be informed of the incident. Whether criminal consequences are to be expected is currently still unclear. In Austria, e-scooters may be ridden from the age of twelve, provided that appropriate protective equipment is worn. The maximum permitted speed is 25 km/h.

Legal situation and consequences

The incident throws a spotlight on the growing problems with tuned e-scooters that can accelerate far beyond the permitted speed. Experts have long warned of the dangers posed by tampered devices, especially when they are ridden by children and adolescents. The combination of high speed, lack of experience, and inadequate protective equipment carries a significant risk of accidents.

Police in Lower Austria announced that checks on e-scooters would be intensified in the future. In addition to speed, the technical equipment of the vehicles will also be inspected. Violations of road traffic regulations can be punished with hefty fines.

The case is also attracting attention beyond the borders of the district of Tulln. On social media, users are discussing the responsibility of parents and the question of how children and adolescents can be protected from the dangers of tuned e-scooters. Police are appealing to parents to closely monitor their children's use of e-scooters and to ensure compliance with traffic rules.

Dangers of tuned e-scooters

In recent months, there have been several serious e-scooter accidents in Austria in which minors were also injured. The authorities subsequently tightened checks and increased penalties for violations of the e-scooter regulations. The incident in Michelhausen shows that these measures are evidently still not sufficient to prevent risky rides.

Police emphasized that no one was injured during the chase. The officers said they had the situation under control at all times and would have aborted the pursuit if the danger to uninvolved parties had become too great. Nevertheless, the behavior of the two twelve-year-olds is to be classified as extremely reckless.

Following the preliminary checks on July 7, 2026, the pursuit of the second rider lasted around two kilometers. It was only when the boy turned into a street closed to vehicles that he could be stopped. Police seized the e-scooter and initiated further investigations.

Investigations and outlook

The officers determined that the e-scooters of the two twelve-year-olds had been technically tampered with and reached speeds far above the legal maximum of 25 km/h. Such modifications are prohibited in Austria and can be punished as an administrative offense. Police announced that the devices would be examined by an expert.

The incident in Michelhausen is not an isolated case. Throughout Austria, reports are accumulating of tuned e-scooters capable of reaching speeds of more than 60 or even 80 km/h. Police urgently warn of the dangers of such modifications and appeal to parents to closely monitor the purchase and use of e-scooters by their children.

The two twelve-year-olds were handed over to their parents after the investigations were completed. Whether charges will be filed depends on the results of further examinations. Police announced that the case would be pursued consistently and that legal steps would be taken if necessary.

The incident once again shows how important it is for parents to educate their children about the dangers in road traffic and to ensure compliance with traffic rules. E-scooters are a practical means of transport, but when used improperly they pose considerable risks – especially when ridden by children and adolescents without sufficient experience and protective equipment.