A helmet, much like seat belts in a car, serves a purely safety function—its purpose is to cushion and minimize the effects of unfortunate falls, which are not uncommon while learning to ride or navigating high city curbs.

When choosing the right model for your child, it is crucial to look for the European safety standard EN 1078 (or PN-EN 1078) and ensure the helmet fits the head circumference perfectly.

The introduction of these regulations has sparked a natural public debate. Many guardians have long regarded helmets as standard equipment, while others emphasize the need for education and infrastructure development rather than imposing further mandates.

Regardless of one’s personal stance on top-down regulations, it is worth looking at this change from a purely practical perspective.

At the beginning of June 2026, significant changes to Poland’s Road Traffic Law will take effect, directly affecting many families. The new regulations introduce a legal requirement for children and adolescents up to the age of 16 to wear protective helmets.

This provision applies not only to independent users of bicycles, electric scooters, or personal mobility devices (PMDs), but also to the youngest children up to 7 years of age transported in bicycle seats.

Exceptions include, among others, travel in bicycle trailers equipped with seat belts, where the design already provides constant protection.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)