Filenews 10 August 2022 - by Michalis Hadjivassilis
The Parliament on July 14 may have passed into law the bill regulating the movement of electronic skates, the well-known scooters, however, no control and compliance has been observed to date.
Most scooter drivers do not carry a protective helmet and most importantly they not only use the special bike lanes, but they remain on the roads where there is no accesses for bicycles. Also, no one controls their speed, while the Traffic Police, which has the weight of the checks, is expected to consult with the Ministry of Transport to point out to the drivers of such devices what their obligations are. As mentioned in "F", a tacit extension of compliance has been given to drivers especially now in the summer when the universities have closed and it is expected that the checks will begin soon. The question is what happens if an accident occurs. At the moment, however, those who drive electric scooters behave as if no special legislation has been passed, which is encouraged by the lack of controls.
According to the legislation, the movement of scooters is completely prohibited from the roads and is allowed where there are bike lanes – bicycle paths. Also:
>> Their movement is allowed on roads where the set maximum speed limit is 30km per hour (Makarios, Stasikratous, etc.).
>> The minimum age of scooter users has been reduced from 16 years to 14 years.
>> The maximum predicted speed, which these devices may develop by design or following a relevant mechanical arrangement, has been increased from 15 km per hour to 20 km per hour in the case of cycle paths / bike lanes and roads on which the specified maximum speed limit is 30 km per hour.
>> The maximum speed that users of these devices will be able to develop in squares or pedestrian streets at 10 km have been determined.
>> A transitional period was also introduced until March 1, 2023 regarding the validity of the provisions of the bill regarding the technical specifications of scooters, in order to provide time for users and / or persons who sell or dispose in any way of such devices, to ensure that their devices meet these technical specifications.
At the same time, based on the law that was passed, the user of the scooter - skateboard must wear a properly fastened helmet. It will be prohibited to carry any person as a passenger on any part of the scooter, unless by design the carriage of a passenger is provided for and is over 12 years old, wears a helmet and is seated in a seat intended by design for this purpose and adequately attached to the chassis of the scooter. In addition, scooters – scooters during their use should have the following minimum equipment: At least one brake system, white or yellow light lamp permanently attached to the front, fixed or flashing red light lamp at the rear, bell or siren and tyres in good condition.
However, at the moment, the Traffic Police is preparing itself to issue an extrajudicial document for these violations, while a speed check will be carried out with radar, just as it is done with vehicles. When a driver is spotted moving at a higher speed than 20km, then he will get an extrajudicial fine.
Extrajudicial €50 and €85
According to the legislation, an out-of-court fine of €85 will be imposed in the following cases: Persons who use scooters - skates and are under the age of 14, who develop speed beyond the prescribed speed, who do not wear a helmet and do not comply with the indications of the signage and traffic lights that regulate the traffic of vehicles, motorized or not.
In addition, an extrajudicial fine of €50 will be imposed on persons who use scooters - scooters without having lights and outside their designated traffic lane and who park, place or abandon them in a bicycle lane.
Drivers of motor vehicles of any category and of any kind or size who do not take protective measures against scooter - skateboard users will also be punished with an extrajudicial fine of €85.
Helmet and for cyclists
Along with the legislation regulating the movement of scooters, the Parliament also passed a proposal for a law by MP Chryssis Pantelidis that establishes as mandatory the use of helmet by cyclists. However, a transitional provision was also adopted until 1/1/2023 for the compliance of bicycle riders with this provision.
Cyclists should wear a special helmet for their protection. Scooter drivers can wear the same helmet as well. Like scooters, bicycles will only be able to circulate in the special lanes and not on the roadway on which the vehicles and motorcyclists circulate.
