We've got video of dealers offering unlocked robocalls. "It's illegal, but a colleague takes it off".

In Zagreb, several retail stores have been filmed allowing customers to remove speed limiters from electric scooters, effectively enabling them to exceed the legal maximum speed of 25 km/h. The footage shows salespeople openly agreeing to disable the built-in speed restrictions, despite the law prohibiting such modifications. According to reports, this practice has become increasingly common, with some vendors even offering assistance in removing the blocks, often citing online tutorials as guidance. The issue has gained attention due to the rising number of accidents and fatalities linked to these vehicles. This year alone, two deaths have been recorded, among them a 14-year-old boy from Metković. These incidents highlight the growing concern over the safety risks posed by unregulated electric scooters. Despite legal restrictions, enforcement remains limited, relying largely on police checks to deter reckless behavior. Under Croatian law, electric scooters must be equipped with software-based speed limiters to ensure they do not exceed 25 km/h. However, these devices can be easily removed. A simple search on YouTube provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the limiters, requiring little technical knowledge. As a result, many users bypass the legal constraints, often without awareness of the potential dangers. During visits to multiple stores in Zagreb, reporters found that some salespeople were willing to assist customers in removing the speed limiters. One vendor described his inventory as including models capable of reaching speeds up to 90 km/h, well beyond the legal limit. When asked about the legality of such modifications, he acknowledged the violation but suggested that others could help customers “unlock” their scooters. Another store employee, while initially more cautious, eventually agreed to assist after being prompted by a colleague. She referred to the practice as a form of self-harm, noting that buyers frequently seek ways to increase speed. Yet, she was open to helping, indicating that the demand for faster performance continues to grow among consumers. Some retailers have noted a shift in customer preferences. In recent months, there has been an uptick in requests to restore the original speed limits, driven by concerns over increased police presence and stricter enforcement. Marko Butorac, head of the traffic police sector in Zagreb, recently commented on the trend, stating that while the number of accidents has slightly risen, there has been a noticeable decline in severe injuries. He attributed this change to greater public awareness and caution among riders. However, not all sellers are complicit in the practice. At one larger electronics store, a salesperson refused to assist in disabling the speed limiters, claiming that such actions were no longer common. His statement proved inaccurate, as other stores continued to offer similar services, sometimes explicitly stating that they could install or remove the speed limiters upon request. This ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced by authorities in regulating the use of electric scooters. While laws exist to prevent dangerous speeds, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving room for widespread non-compliance. As the popularity of these vehicles grows, so too does the need for clearer regulations and stronger oversight to protect both riders and pedestrians.