Police warn parents after 11-year-old caught on e-scooter without helmet
An 11-year-old boy was stopped by police in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this week after being spotted riding an electric scooter without a helmet, and with headphones on, in what officers say is becoming an increasingly common and worrying sight across the city.
The incident took place on Tuesday when officers from the Local Police saw the child using a personal mobility vehicle (PMV) on a public road without any of the required safety measures. The boy appeared distracted by his headphones and seemingly unaware of the risks or the traffic around him.
While the situation might appear minor, police say it reflects a growing trend: more and more children are taking to the streets on electric scooters without understanding or respecting basic road safety rules.
The officers noted that the boy’s behaviour represented two separate offences: riding without a helmet, which is compulsory for anyone under 16, and using headphones while in motion, which is prohibited under national law as it blocks the rider’s ability to hear and react to their surroundings, significantly increasing the risk of an accident or collision.
Although the boy was not fined, police activated an educational protocol, informing his parents of the violations and stressing the importance of teaching road safety from a young age.
On social media, the Local Police shared a clear message under the campaign slogan: “Teaching them to move safely is also educating them.”
They reminded parents that they play a vital role in promoting safe behaviour, from checking that children wear helmets to ensuring they do not use devices that distract them.
The police posted on their official account, “Let’s look after our young people, teaching them to move safely is also part of their education.”
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