Scooter driving license – Do you need a driving license to ride a scooter?
Riding an electric scooter is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around the city. More and more people, however, are wondering if a driving license is required for a scooter. The answer isn’t straightforward — it all depends on the motor power, the scooter’s speed, and your age.
You can divide electric scooters into several categories. The smallest ones, with a power up to 250W and a speed limited to 25 km/h, are treated like electric bicycles. You don’t need any license to ride them. However, if your scooter reaches higher parameters, the situation becomes more complicated.
An important group consists of people who turned 18 before January 19, 2013. These people retained so-called acquired rights and can ride a scooter up to 50 cm³ (or an electric motor up to 4 kW) on the basis of an ID card alone. In practice, this means that if you were born before January 19, 1995, in 2025 you can still legally ride a scooter with just your ID.
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Scooter driving license — the basic option for young drivers
For all other people who want to ride an electric scooter with a power up to 4 kW and a speed up to 45 km/h, an AM category driving license is required. This is the lowest driving license category in Poland, which you can obtain from the age of 14.
The AM license entitles you to drive two- or three-wheeled mopeds, scooters, and light four-wheelers (e.g. quads) with a weight up to 350 kg. All these vehicles must be structurally limited to a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
The AM license course usually lasts from 3 to 5 weeks and includes 30 hours of theoretical lessons and 10 hours of practical training. You can start learning 3 months before your 14th birthday, with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
How much does a scooter driving license cost?
The cost of scooter driving license obtaining an AM category license is important information for all future drivers. The overall expense ranges from 1,500 to 2,700 PLN. This amount consists of several components.
The course at a driver training center is the main expense. Depending on the location and reputation of the driving school, prices vary; a scooter license costs between 1,000 and 2,500 PLN. In larger cities like Warsaw or Wrocław, you’ll usually pay more than in smaller towns.
In addition to the course, you must account for extra costs. The medical examination confirming you are fit to drive costs about 200 PLN. A photo for the document is an expense of 30 to 60 PLN. The theoretical exam at a WORD center costs 50–56 PLN, while the practical exam ranges from 140 to 229 PLN. Finally, the issuance of the license is another 100 PLN.
Table: how much will it cost?
| Type of cost | Price |
|---|---|
| AM Course | 1,000–2,500 PLN |
| Medical examination | about 200 PLN |
| Photo | 30–60 PLN |
| Theoretical exam | 50–56 PLN |
| Practical exam | 140–229 PLN |
| License issuance | 100 PLN |
| TOTAL | 1,520–3,145 PLN |
Scooter with category B license — is it possible?
People who hold a category B driving license can ride scooters without the need for additional qualifications. All holders of category B licenses can ride scooters with engine sizes up to 50 cm³ or with an electric motor up to 4 kW.
Scooter license up to 125 cm³
An even more interesting option is available for drivers with longer experience. If you have held a category B license for at least three years, you can operate scooters and motorcycles with an engine capacity up to 125 cm³ and a maximum power of 11 kW. This regulation has been in effect since 2014 and has made access to larger two-wheelers much easier.
However, remember the additional technical limitations. The power-to-weight ratio of the vehicle cannot exceed 0.1 kW/kg, which means that with 11 kW of power, the motorcycle must weigh at least 110 kg.
At what age can you ride a scooter?
The minimum age for riding a scooter depends on its parameters and the type of license. The youngest drivers, who are at least 14 years old, can operate electric scooters with a power of up to 4 kW after obtaining an AM license. This is a great option for teenagers who want to be more mobile before reaching adulthood.
If you’re interested in larger vehicles, you’ll have to wait longer. The A1 category, which allows you to operate motorcycles and scooters up to 125 cm³, can be obtained from the age of 16. The A2 category, permitting more powerful machines up to 35 kW, is available from age 18.
Full A category entitlements, allowing you to ride any motorcycle without power limitations, can be obtained after turning 24 or after 20 years of age if you have held the A2 category for at least 2 years.
What are the penalties for riding a scooter without a license?
Riding a scooter without the proper license is a serious offense that comes with severe legal and financial consequences. If you are stopped by the police, the case goes to court.
The standard fine for driving without a license ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 PLN. In more serious cases, the court may impose a fine of up to 30,000 PLN. That’s not all — you also receive 10 penalty points.
In addition to a hefty fine, the court may impose a temporary ban on driving any vehicles. If you cause an accident or collision, you may be held civilly liable for damages, and your liability insurance (OC) may refuse to pay compensation. In extreme cases, a penalty of restricted liberty is also possible.
AM License — what exactly can you drive?
The AM category gives you many more options than just electric scooters. An AM license allows you to operate two- or three-wheeled mopeds with a combustion engine up to 50 cm³, or electric ones up to 4 kW. The construction of all these vehicles must limit the maximum speed to 45 km/h.
You can also drive light quadricycles, such as small quads, with an unladen weight of up to 350 kg. These vehicles must also be limited to a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
The AM category also entitles you to drive a combination of a moped or a light quadricycle with a trailer, but only within Poland. If you have a higher category license such as A1, A2, A, B, C, or D, you are automatically allowed to drive vehicles covered by AM.
Mandatory equipment and insurance
If you choose an electric scooter, remember the mandatory requirements. Every vehicle registered in Poland must have valid liability insurance (OC). This also applies to electric scooters with power over 4 kW or speeds above 45 km/h.
OC insurance for a scooter with an engine capacity up to 50 cm³ usually costs between 60 and 290 PLN per year. The policy protects you in case you cause material or personal damage — the insurer will cover compensation, treatment, or rehabilitation costs of the injured parties.
A protective helmet is a mandatory piece of equipment. Both the scooter rider and the passenger must wear a helmet while riding. Not wearing a helmet can result in a 100 PLN fine and 5 penalty points. The helmet must meet appropriate technical standards and be fastened throughout the ride.
Registration of an electric scooter is mandatory if the vehicle has an engine exceeding 250W and a maximum speed above 20 km/h. The registration process takes about 30 days, during which you receive a temporary registration certificate.
Summary — take care of your safety
Do you need a license for an electric scooter? The answer depends on the vehicle’s specifications and your age. If your scooter has power up to 250W and a speed up to 25 km/h, you don’t need any license. For more powerful scooters (up to 4 kW, 45 km/h), an AM license is required, which you can obtain from age 14.
People with a category B license can drive scooters up to 50 cm³, and after three years of experience, vehicles up to 125 cm³. If you were born before January 19, 1995, you can drive a 50 cm³ scooter with just your ID card.
Remember, driving without the appropriate license is a serious offense punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 PLN and a driving ban. Always make sure you have the right license, valid liability insurance (OC), and a protective helmet. Road safety is your top priority!
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