Filenews 31 May 2025 - by Michalis Hatzivasilis
Changes are coming to the legal framework under which e-scooters are released, after their uncontrolled use and the risks for drivers and users.
Although Cyprus has one of the strictest laws on the circulation of e-scooters, it is not adhered to, there is insufficient control, resulting in loss of life and injuries. The recent accident with two young people who were injured after falling from an electric scooter in Limassol, brought back the issue of the control of personal mobility devices, as they are called. What can be seen from a survey through the Department of Public Works, it seems that only two Municipalities, those of Nicosia and Geroskipou, keep a record and have an idea of how many have scooters for rent. This is also shown by the uproar that exists with the fact that no one knows how many electric scooters are currently on Cypriot roads and especially with their control.
As it emerges from statements by the executive engineer at the Department of Public Works, Harris Christodoulou, who is responsible for the issue, the Municipalities do not exercise their competence to control these devices and as a result they are circulating everywhere. As he says, the legal framework that Cyprus has voted for in 2022 is one of the strictest in the EU. As Cyprus, Mr. Christodoulou said, we have put security as our primary concern. Recently, after it was found that such devices were in fact uncontrollable, resulting in them being seen on avenues and roads at speeds of more than 30 km, it was decided, after a discussion of the issue in Parliament, to begin a consultation with stakeholders in order to make some changes to the legislation.
What is being discussed are:
– Import companies are obliged to register on the e-scooter if it has the ability to move more than 20km, which is the limit.
– Scooters and passengers should be insured.
– To be included in personal mobility vehicles and to be governed by the provisions of the law and electric bicycles for professional use.
As Mr. Christodoulou explained, there is the possibility, through a system that electronic scooters have (geofencing), to stop their course by the owner, if they go out of the permitted areas or if they move at a speed beyond the allowed, so it will be examined whether this can be included in the legislation. The consultation is in progress and its result will be put before the Parliament in order to make changes to the legislation. The most important thing is for the Municipalities to start inspections so that electric scooters are used only in places where the legislation is allowed and the legislation is complied with, Mr. Christodoulou concluded.
It is noted that recently the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) called for the training of users of personal mobility devices and the driving of e-scooters on sidewalks should be prohibited through "geofencing".
Two deaths, many injuries
In Cyprus there have been two deaths of scooter drivers to date, one in 2019 (before the legislation) and one in 2022 as well as several injuries. In 2022 in Europe, there were 119 deaths from scooter falls and 5,867 injuries.
The legislation sets the following restrictions, but they are not adequately observed:
• Age limit: The minimum age for scooter riders is 14 years old.
• Maximum speeds: The maximum predicted speed that scooter riders can develop is 20 km. per hour on cycle lanes and roads where the maximum speed limit is 30 km. per hour. In squares and pedestrian streets, the maximum speed has been set at 10 km. per hour.
• Equipment/Specifications: Riders must always wear a properly tethered helmet and the scooter must have a brake system, a white or yellow light lamp at the front, a red light lamp at the rear, a bell or siren, and tyres in good condition.
• €50 fine: Those who use electric scooters without the headlights or move outside their designated lane or park, place or abandon the scooters in a bike lane, pavement or road surface, will be fined €50.
• Fine €85:
– If the scooter rider is under 14 years old.
– If the driver develops a speed above the prescribed limit.
– If the driver is not wearing a helmet.
– If the driver does not comply with the signs and traffic lights.
• An out-of-court fee of €85 will also be imposed on drivers of motor vehicles of any category, type or size who do not take protective measures against electric scooter drivers.
