The best of the debate: Thelma and León impress on the e-scooter theme!

The best of the debate: Thelma and León impress on the e-scooter theme!

What's new at the Cato-Bontjes-van-Beek-Gymnasium in Achim? On January 17, 2026, the students had the opportunity to demonstrate their rhetorical skills in the “Youth Debates” competition. The exciting debate revolved around the question: “Should there be a driving license requirement for driving e-scooters?” And the pro side, represented by Thelma Lemke and León Ernst, was able to convince the audience in the end and qualify for the district competition in Ottersberg.

The debate about compulsory e-scooter driving licenses is not just an issue for students - experts also see a need for action. According to a current study by accident researcher Siegfried Brockmann, 27 people have already died in e-scooter accidents in 2024. Brockmann is calling for a driving license to be compulsory in order to increase safety on the roads, especially since the use of e-scooters is permitted from the age of 14 without proof of knowledge of the road traffic regulations. One suggestion would be a moped test certificate that could raise the age limit to 15 years, as tagesschau.de reports.

The course of the debate

The competition at the school consisted of opening statements, a lively exchange of blows and finally closing statements from the participants. Luisa Claussen and Jarno Lange stood up for the contra side and fought an exciting duel with Lemke and Ernst, who had prepared intensively for the discussion. Before the school decision, they were given two topics and were allowed to prepare for them in regular German lessons. The jury then evaluated the students based on four criteria: expertise, expression, conversation skills and persuasiveness.

The e-scooter debate has become even more urgent due to the high number of accidents. The fact is that, according to the Federal Statistical Office, almost 12,000 accidents involving e-scooters were registered last year, which corresponds to an increase of 27% compared to the previous year. Particular attention is paid to accidents without other involvement - almost half of serious injuries and fatal accidents occurred in these circumstances. Accident researchers also see increasing the wheel size to at least ten inches as an important step towards reducing accidents.

Outlook for the next steps

After the district decision in Ottersberg, the successful debaters will move on to the regional and state competitions, which will ultimately culminate in the state parliament in Hanover. In order to optimally prepare the participants, an additional seminar on the state decision will be held. The challenges that the participants have to overcome are just as diverse as the opinions on the regulation of the e-scooter driving license requirement.

How will the topic develop further in public discussion? What is clear is that both young debaters and accident researchers are helping to raise awareness of the road safety situation and underscore the need for change.