Cyprus Police Will Be Able to Confiscate Electric Scooters

Cyprus is preparing to introduce new rules for electric scooter enforcement. The measures would allow authorities to confiscate scooters for four types of violations, including use by minors, riding on prohibited roads, and exceeding the permitted design speed. The upcoming changes were explained on October 22, 2026, by Tasos Asikkis, an inspector with the Traffic Police Headquarters, during an appearance on Alpha TV.

The public consultation on the decree has already been completed. The document is currently with the Cyprus Ministry of Transport. The next step is a review by the Legal Service, after which the minister is expected to approve it and arrange for publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic. Until this process is completed, the new rules on confiscating electric scooters will not take effect.

However, the legal framework for such measures already exists. Amendments to the law on personal mobility devices were published on April 22, 2026. They provide for the possibility of electric scooters being confiscated by police officers and municipal traffic inspectors. The specific procedure for applying this measure must still be determined by the minister through a separate decree.

What 4 Violations Could Lead to an Electric Scooter Being Confiscated in Cyprus?

According to Tasos Asikkis, four grounds for confiscation are предусмотрены:

1. Riding an electric scooter while under the age of 17. The minimum age for operating an electric scooter in Cyprus is 17. If a younger teenager is found riding one, the device may be confiscated.
2. Riding in areas where electric scooters are prohibited. This includes, in particular, streets where the permitted speed limit exceeds 30 km/h, subject to exceptions provided by law. Riders should take existing restrictions and permitted routes into account before setting off.
3. Riding on highways and expressways. Electric scooters are prohibited on these roads. Violating this rule may provide grounds for confiscation.
4. A design speed above 25 km/h. If an electric scooter is technically capable of exceeding 25 km/h, it may be confiscated. This means that authorities may consider not only the rider’s actual speed at the time, but also the technical capabilities of the device itself.

Confiscation may affect not only the person who was riding the scooter. If the violation involves a minor, the scooter may also be taken from the parent who allowed the child to use it.

Will a Confiscated Electric Scooter Be Returned to Its Owner?

The return of the device will depend on the circumstances of the violation and whether the scooter complies with legal requirements. Asikkis explained that the owner will have to pay the required fees to recover a confiscated electric scooter. However, payment alone will not guarantee its return. If the device has been assembled or modified in violation of applicable requirements and cannot legally be used on public roads, it may be destroyed.

This means particular attention will be paid to the technical specifications of electric scooters. Owners of modified models should be aware that increasing power output or design speed may lead to serious consequences.

The effectiveness of electric scooter enforcement has previously been raised in the Cyprus Parliament. In July, MP Andreas Constantinou submitted a question to the Ministry of Transport regarding the results of inspections following the legislative changes and the number of cases in which police had exercised their power to confiscate devices. The new rules are expected to establish a uniform procedure for applying this measure and determine when a scooter should be returned to its owner and when it may be destroyed.

How Will Police Monitor Electric Scooters on Halloween?

Police are also placing particular emphasis on road safety ahead of Halloween. A large number of teenagers are expected to use electric scooters in Nicosia, so law enforcement authorities are discussing possible enforcement measures. Asikkis noted that the age of criminal responsibility in Cyprus is 14. He said that any police action involving minors would be taken with caution.

At the same time, the inspector emphasized the importance of parental involvement in children’s road safety. Parents are responsible for ensuring that teenagers follow traffic rules and do not use electric scooters in violation of the law. Teachers also play an important role in helping young people develop responsible road behavior.

A wide selection of vehicles is available on DOMCar.