Filenews 16 July 2022
The Adoption of the Bill for the regulation of the movement of bicycles and other personal mobility devices by the House of Representatives that affects the use of Personal Mobility Devices ("e-scooters"), is welcomed by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.
As the Ministry states in an announcement, their use so far in Cyprus has been relatively limited while greater use had occurred in tourist areas, due to the rented devices to visitors. Especially after the period of the Coronavirus, there is a greater use of such devices due to both the international green sensitivity and the promotion of sustainable mobility, as well as the reduced cost of using Personal Mobility Devices against alternative means of transport. In general, there is a greater use of both rental and e-scooters for private use.
According to the Ministry of Transport, with the increase in the use of these devices in Cyprus, road collisions with scooters have been recorded, including a fatal accident. In addition, strong reactions have been recorded by the Local Authorities with problems of coexistence of pedestrians & scooters in the road network, including road collisions with pedestrians.
In this context, the Regulation of Bicycle Movement Law of 2018 (Law 19(I) of 2018) has been amended with the proposed Legislative Package of Personal Mobility Devices for the regulation of the movement of bicycles and other personal mobility devices where, in addition to the general definition of Personal Mobility Devices ("e-scooters") it includes:
- Permitted Distribution Area: on roads on the roadway of motor vehicle traffic with a speed limit of up to 30 CHAO, bicycle paths, bicycle lanes or in an area that is an extension of a bicycle path (common use area by cyclists & pedestrians). In a square or pedestrian street, only after a decision / approval of the relevant Municipality or Community.
- Permitted Age of Use: Fourteen (14) years and over.
- Mandatory personal protection: Mandatory use of a helmet and mandatory use of a phosphorous vest at night.
- Minimum device equipment: Brake system, front & rear lamps, bell, tyres.
- Permissible Maximum device speed: By construction it develops a maximum speed of twenty (20) Kilometres Per Hour (XEO).
At the same time, the passage of the bill provides for a transitional period for the enforcement of the law concerning the minimum equipment and the securing of a licence for the operation of rental companies.
The proposal for the amendment of the law had been approved by the Council of Ministers on October 29, 2021 after an initiative of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and after a public consultation with the stakeholders and experts.
In addition, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works expresses its gratitude to the Chairman and the members of the Committee on Transport of the House.
