The uncontrollable situation that prevails on Cypriot roads with the circulation of electric scooters, but also the urgent need to tighten the legislative framework, was highlighted by today's session of the parliamentary Committee on Transport, before which five proposals for laws were put forward for changes to the legislative framework governing their circulation. The characterizations "mobile bombs", "panzer's inn" and "disorder", which were heard by MPs, reflect the strong concern of the legislative power about the dangers that the use of these devices, especially by minors, can bring.
The evidence presented to the Commission is revealing. According to the representative of the Traffic Department of the Police Headquarters, Tasos Assiikis, from January 1 to October 31, 2026, 8.800 complaints for violations related to electric scooters were recorded, a number that demonstrates the sharp increase in out-of-court fines. Of these, 2.800 concerned driving in unauthorized places, an offense which, according to the Police, is considered the most serious.
Even more worrying is the toll of traffic collisions. Since the beginning of the year, two electric scooter users have died, while by the end of August, five seriously injured were recorded, two of whom were minors.
The intervention of Virginia Christou, representative of the Cyprus Consumers Association, who referred to the tragic case of 16-year-old Aris Papacharalambous, who lost his life last September after a road collision with a scooter, caused a particular sensation. Her report highlighted in the most dramatic way the consequences that the use of electric scooters can have.
Five law proposals for a stricter framework
At the center of the session were five law proposals, which attempt to address the gaps in the existing legislative framework, introducing stricter conditions of use, increased penalties, mandatory registration and insurance of devices, as well as the possibility of restricting their circulation.
The first bill, submitted by MP Chrysanthos Savvidis, provides for the creation of a register for the registration of personal mobility devices and the establishment of an offense for their use by persons who have not reached the prescribed age limit.
At the same time, it is proposed to tighten the penalties for owners, persons who are legally responsible for the management or safekeeping of devices, as well as parents or guardians, if they do not take the necessary measures to prevent their use by people under the age of 17.
The second proposal, also by Mr. Savvidis, focuses on the imposition of extrajudicial fines. In particular, it provides for the introduction of an out-of-court fine for the use of a personal mobility device by a person who has not reached the minimum age provided, as well as an increase in fines for owners, caregivers and parents who fail to prevent use by minors under the age of 17.
The third bill, submitted by Dimitris Souglis, provides for the creation of a special register for the registration of personal mobility devices, the granting of distinctive identity points and the introduction of compulsory insurance.
The fourth proposal, by Sotiris Ioannou, concerns the process of retaining electric scooters. In particular, it is proposed to repeal the provision that provides for the regulation of the procedure by ministerial decree and to incorporate the relevant procedures of retention and release directly into the basic law.
The fifth bill, submitted by Andreas Constantinou, goes a step further, providing for a temporary ban on the circulation of personal mobility devices within municipal districts or communities. The ban can only be lifted if it is established that there is an adequate and safe network for their movement.
Positive reception, but with serious reservations
At first glance, the approach of the Ministry of Transport, the Legal Service and the other stakeholders to the proposed changes was positive. However, legal, administrative and practical issues emerged during the discussion, with those in charge asking for additional time for a thorough examination of the proposals.
A key issue remains the issuance of the decree on the retention of electric scooters, which, according to what was reported before the Commission, is considered decisive for the more effective implementation of the legislative framework.
The senior official of the Ministry of Transport, Aphrodite Kofterou, referring to the first and third law proposals, reminded that the competent minister, Evi Tsolaki, has already taken a positive position on the principle of creating a registration register.
He clarified, however, that the issue will be examined after the issuance of the detention order, as the operation of such a register requires the creation of a new administrative service, with the corresponding needs in terms of personnel, technological infrastructure and legislative regulations.
"We need to see exactly where it will be placed and what it needs to function in terms of personnel, legislation and technology. We are not rejecting it, we are simply not ready to move forward," he underlined.
At the same time, he raised issues of constitutionality regarding the two proposals, as well as concerns about the possible burden on the state budget.
In relation to the second law proposal, Ms. Kofterou stated that there was not enough time for consultation with the Legal Service and other competent services. It stated, however, that the principle of proportionality must be observed in the determination of fines.
In the Legal Service, the detention decree
Regarding the fourth law proposal, the spokeswoman of the Ministry of Transport announced that the decree on the retention of electric scooters has already been prepared and forwarded to the Legal Service.
As he explained, the text was put to public consultation last August and then amended to take into account the comments of the Police and the municipalities.
"We have finalized it and put it to public consultation in August. We took into account all the positions of the Municipalities and the Police and made changes," he clarified.
The Legal Service confirmed that the decree was received last week, with its spokeswoman estimating that it will take about a month to complete its legal review.
The proposal for a temporary ban on the circulation of electric scooters in municipalities and communities is also causing concern.
Ms. Kofterou pointed out that the creation of the necessary infrastructure is a time-consuming process and warned that such a regulation could in practice lead to an almost total ban on their use.
"Banning the use of scooters within municipal districts essentially means that we are banning their use altogether. Also, the responsibility for some infrastructure does not belong to the Ministry but to the Municipalities," he said.
Reservations for a fine of €300 to minors
The Ministry of Justice expressed reservations as to the amount of the proposed out-of-court fines.
His spokesman, Filippos Theodorou, clarified that the Ministry does not disagree in principle with the proposed changes, however he considers the increase of the fine from €85 to €300 for violations by minors under 17 years of age excessive.
"We consider it excessive, minors have no income," he said.
In addition, he expressed reservations about the practical possibility of controlling and implementing the proposed curfew in municipal districts and communities.
On the part of the Police, Tasos Assiikis stated that the Force adopts the positions of the two ministries and agrees with the need for stricter regulations. It has, however, asked for additional time to examine the proposals and to carry out the necessary consultations.
Municipalities: Legal gaps and difficulties in implementation
The support of the Union of Municipalities in the establishment of a registration register, distinctive identity marks and compulsory insurance for electric scooters was expressed by Katerina Frangoulidou.
At the same time, however, he highlighted the legislative gaps that still exist, especially in relation to the powers of municipal traffic wardens.
As he announced, the Union of Municipalities requested a relevant legal opinion on the possibility of withholding electric scooters from municipal traffic wardens. The answer they received was that the existing legislative framework does not give them such power.
In addition, he expressed reservations about the proposal to ban traffic in municipal districts, indicating the significant practical difficulties that will arise.
In particular, he pointed out that the creation of an update mechanism will be required, so that all users know clearly in which areas the movement of devices is allowed and in which is prohibited.
At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of affecting existing permits granted to companies for parking electric scooters.
The aim is to immediately promote it to the Plenary
Despite the concerns raised, the Parliamentary Committee on Transport appears determined to speed up the procedures, against the backdrop of the fatal and serious traffic incidents that have been recorded.
The president of the Committee, Sotiris Ioannou, gave a deadline of one week to the stakeholders who requested additional time, in order to submit their positions and comments in writing.
He clarified, at the same time, that the Committee's intention is to proceed without delay with the examination of the five law proposals, so that they can be forwarded as soon as possible before the Plenary Session of the Parliament.
