Filenews 28 May 2025 - by Ioanna Mantziapa
As a means of transport, mainly by foreign persons, the use of electric scooters has become the main road arteries, which, however, is a serious problem and poses risks, mainly for the users themselves.
In recent years, there has been an increased use of electric scooters on sidewalks, expressways and other places where their presence is prohibited. At the same time, riders are putting themselves and other road users at risk.
The problem with the uncontrolled use of electric scooters is particularly acute in the city of Limassol, with users circulating on main roads, avenues, and even roundabouts. Indicative of the situation is the case in which an e-scooter user crossed Makariou Avenue to the roundabout of Agios Nikolaos. In fact, during the route, the user changed lane several times, while at some point he was also in the middle of the road.
On the occasion of the injury of two minors in Limassol with an electric skateboard, on a main street of Germasogeia, "F" contacted the head of the Limassol Traffic Police, Marios Charalambous, who told us that the offenders who are identified are reported with an out-of-court fine. Asked whether the users include minors, he noted that most riders of personal mobility devices are foreigners, who use electric scooters as a means of transport, followed by minors.
As he underlined, foreigners use them to get to their places of residence and work and in some cases, they travel long distances. There are many cases where these people carry another passenger, maximizing the risk of losing their balance and falling to the ground.
According to Mr. Charalambous, for the year 2024, the Limassol Traffic Police made 807 out-of-court complaints, while in the first five months of 2025, 229 complaints were made. The complaints concern offences such as use in unauthorised areas, failure to wear a helmet, failure to use appropriate equipment, etc.
Controls on the driving of personal mobility devices (electric scooters) on the road network began in September 2022 after the passage of relevant legislation. The purpose of the legislation is to regulate the circulation of these devices, as their drivers are among the vulnerable groups of road users.
What applies in Cyprus and what are the fines for offenders?
• 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 strapped 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 tires in good condition.
• €50 fine: those who use electric scooters without the headlights working or move outside their designated lane or park, place or abandon scooters in a bicycle lane, bicycle lane, bicycle lane 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 is also imposed on drivers of motor vehicles of any category, type or size who do not take protective measures against electric scooter drivers.
