Filenews 14 February 2026 - by Petros Axfentiou
The issue of electric scooters (better known as scooters) is causing a headache for the competent Services, as their rapid increase on the roads, combined with the uncontrolled use and non-implementation of the legislation, leads to an increasing number of traffic accidents. This situation poses an immediate risk not only to the users of personal mobility devices themselves, but also to drivers and pedestrians.
Electric scooters have become a particularly popular means of transportation in recent years, especially in urban centers. However, the absence of essential controls and limited user information often lead to dangerous practices, such as driving on high-speed roads, violating traffic signs, carrying a second passenger, and not using protective equipment.
At the moment, there are two proposals on the table. One comes from the former chairman of the Transport Committee, Marinos Mousiouttas, for a ban on scooters from Cypriot roads, while the other comes from the president of the Ecologists' Movement, Stavros Papadouris, for the creation of a register, license plates and third-party security on these devices.
What does the current legislation provide?
According to the legislation, electric scooters are allowed to move on roads where the speed limit for motor vehicles does not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. At the same time, they can be used in bicycle lanes, as well as in areas that are an extension of bicycle paths, in which cyclists and pedestrians coexist. Their circulation in squares or pedestrian streets is allowed only after a decision or approval of the competent municipality or community.
Regarding the age of the users, the legislation provides that the use of an electric scooter is allowed to people aged 14 years and above. Particular emphasis is also placed on personal protective measures, as the use of a helmet is mandatory for everyone, while during night traffic the use of a fluorescent vest is also required for better visibility.
In terms of equipment, each device must have the necessary safety equipment, such as a brake operating system, front and rear lights, a bell and appropriate tires. Finally, electric scooters that circulate legally must, by design, not reach a speed of more than 20 kilometers per hour, in order to limit the risk of accidents in the urban environment.
A report with blood on the asphalt
The worrying picture is also reflected through the official data of the Police on traffic accidents, with the toll of recent years including dead and dozens injured. From 2019 to 2025, two deaths were recorded, while from 2021 to 2025, 13 seriously injured and 12 slightly injured were recorded. Specifically, in 2021 we had seriously injured and one slightly injured. In 2022, one driver death was recorded, four seriously injured, while in 2023 and 2024 there were a total of 4 injured. In 2025, scooter driver injuries increased, as we had 5 seriously injured and 9 slightly injured.
7,575 driver complaints
It is worth noting that from 2019 to 2025, 7,575 complaints were submitted. Most of the complaints concerned the following offenses:
>> 3,061 for driving in an unauthorized traffic area.
>> 2,215 for driving without wearing a protective helmet.
>> 935 did not carry proper fluorescent insignia.
>> 510 drivers were moving outside their designated lane.
>> 296 were driving without taking care to have a light running.
Stavros Papadouris: On the roads skates at a speed of 80 kilometers
His proposal was analyzed to "F" by the president of the Ecologists' Movement, Stavros Papadouris. Initially, he stated that the legislation that passed and concerned scooters was based on the logic that the appropriate infrastructure would be created and the necessary checks would be carried out by the Police. "We gave time, but there were two deaths and many traffic accidents from scooters."
He added that there is a huge gap, as a result of which the scooters on the road are not registered. "The register that exists in the Department of Road Transport concerns motor vehicles, i.e. those that have an engine, such as motorcycles, vehicles and trucks."
He pointed out that his proposal provides for the creation of a register of such vehicles. "Today it's the scooters, tomorrow it's going to be something new. Abroad there are many types for the movement of citizens, which are not considered motorized", underlining that the register is also applied in foreign countries, such as Germany.
He clarified that, while the legislation provides that scooters must have a maximum speed of 30 kilometers, the Police have identified scooters with a top speed of 80 kilometers. "If someone orders a scooter from China, it will come without any control."
Mr. Papadouris also referred to the issue of traffic safety, explaining that in the event that a scooter driver causes a traffic accident, he is not responsible, as it does not fall under the legislation. "The proposed law provides for the creation of a register for non-motorized vehicles. They will have to carry license plates and so we will know who is the owner of each scooter."
Continuing, he said that scooter drivers should also take out insurance against a third party. "Distributor companies that use them widely have found a way to insure them through a private agreement. So, there is a way, there are insurance companies that are willing to insure them, so what remains is the registry."
Furthermore, Mr. Papadouris underlined that a scooter can be used in a criminal act, while, at the same time, there are several cases where scooter users pass red through the photo-marking cameras without being able to be located to be sent the fine.
Their temporary detention is also in the frame
He pointed out that the Police will have the right to temporarily detain scooters in cases where they move illegally. "The cost of buying a scooter ranges from €300 to €2,000. The fine is €85. The seizure will entail a greater cost than the out-of-court one." In addition, he said that the Movement of Ecologists supports micromobility, but with the logic that it is not above safety. "Unfortunately, the state did not put in place infrastructure so that users can start from their homes and get to work safely."
Regarding the proposal to abolish scooters, he said that "they are two completely different approaches, one concerns the complete abolition and the other is our proposal". He clarified that, in case the proposal for their abolition goes ahead, he will insist on the adoption of the register for personal mobility devices.
