Changes are coming to the legal framework governing electric scooter circulation following uncontrolled usage and risks to drivers and users.
Despite Cyprus having one of the strictest e-scooter legislations in the EU, it is not being enforced adequately, with insufficient controls resulting in loss of life and injuries.
A recent accident involving two young people injured after falling from an electric scooter in Limassol has again raised the issue of controlling personal mobility devices.
Research through the Public Works Department reveals only two municipalities – Nicosia and Geroskipou – maintain records and have visibility of how many scooters are available for rental.
This highlights the confusion surrounding the fact that nobody knows how many electric scooters currently circulate on the roads and, crucially, their control.
According to statements by Public Works Department executive engineer Charis Christodoulou, who is responsible for the issue, municipalities are not exercising their authority to control these devices, resulting in their circulation everywhere.
The legal framework Cyprus adopted in 2022 is among the strictest in the EU, with safety as the primary concern, Christodoulou said.
Following observations that such devices were essentially circulating uncontrolled, appearing on avenues and roads at speeds above 30kmh, Parliament discussions led to consultations with stakeholders for legislative changes.
Proposed changes include:
- Import companies being obliged to register whether e-scooters can exceed the 20kmh speed limit
- Mandatory insurance for scooters and passengers
- Including electric bicycles for professional use under personal mobility vehicle provisions
Christodoulou explained that geofencing systems in electric scooters can halt their movement if they exit permitted areas or exceed speed limits, which may be included in legislation. The consultation is ongoing, with results to be presented to Parliament for legislative changes.
The priority is for municipalities to begin controls ensuring electric scooters are used only in permitted areas whilst adhering to legislation.
The European Transport Safety Council recently requested user training for personal mobility devices and that e-scooter driving on pavements be prohibited through geofencing.
Cyprus has recorded two scooter driver deaths – one in 2019 (before legislation) and one in 2022 – plus several injuries. Europe recorded 119 scooter deaths and 5,867 injuries in 2022.
Legislation sets the following restrictions, though inadequately enforced:
Age limit: Minimum age for scooter drivers is 14 years
Maximum speeds: 20kmh on cycle paths/lanes and roads with 30kmh speed limits; 10kmh in squares and pedestrian areas
Equipment requirements: Drivers must always wear properly secured helmets; scooters must have braking systems, white or yellow front lights, red rear lights, bells or sirens, and tyres in good condition
Fines include:
- €50 for operating without lights, moving outside designated lanes, or improper parking
- €85 for underage drivers, exceeding speed limits, not wearing helmets, or ignoring traffic signals
- €85 for motor vehicle drivers failing to take protective measures around e-scooter users
Only Nicosia and Geroskipou municipalities maintain proper oversight, indicating widespread control failures across the island.
