An important initiative is being discussed in Cyprus that could significantly change the rules for using personal mobility devices. The Parliamentary Transport Committee is reviewing a bill that provides for banning the use of electric bicycles, e-scooters, and similar devices for individuals under the age of 17.
Currently, existing regulations allow the use of such vehicles from the age of 14. However, authorities believe this is no longer sufficient to ensure safety. If the law is adopted, the age threshold will increase by three years, and the restrictions will become significantly stricter.
The initiative emerged against the backdrop of a growing number of violations and traffic accidents involving teenagers. Authorities are increasingly recording cases where minors use powerful devices without proper supervision and skills.
Why authorities want to change the rules
The main reason for tightening the legislation is the sharp increase in the speed and power of modern devices. According to the Cyprus Ministry of Transport, some models of electric bicycles can reach speeds of up to 50–60 km/h. This is already comparable to full-fledged vehicles, rather than typical urban mobility devices.
Teenagers are able to travel quickly over considerable distances, while not always complying with traffic rules. This creates risks not only for themselves but also for other road users. Police regularly conduct inspections, and the results confirm the scale of the problem. During one operation in Nicosia, 29 electric bicycles were checked, of which 21 were confiscated for further inspection. Such figures indicate systemic violations rather than isolated cases.
Previously, the Ministry of Transport proposed a softer regulatory approach. It considered raising the minimum age to 16, as well as introducing a speed limit of 20–25 km/h. Additionally, the possibility of confiscating devices in case of violations was discussed. The current bill proposes a stricter approach.
What exactly will change if the law is adopted
If the initiative is approved, not only the minimum age of drivers will change, but also the rules for carrying passengers. The bill stipulates that both the driver and the passenger must be over 17 years old. This is an important addition, as it is currently common to see teenagers carrying friends or younger children on electric bicycles. The new rules are intended to eliminate such situations and reduce the risk of accidents.
Strict sanctions are also expected to be introduced. One of the key measures will be the confiscation of vehicles in case of violations. This approach is already used in a number of European countries and is considered an effective enforcement tool. The initiator of the bill, MP Fotini Tsiridou, emphasizes that the focus is primarily on safety. According to her, the restrictions should be comprehensive and cover all aspects of the use of such devices.
How this will affect the market and buyers
The new rules could significantly reshape the electric transport market in Cyprus. Even now, a large share of buyers consists of teenagers or their families. After introducing the age limit of 17, demand in this segment may noticeably decline. Particular attention is being paid to sellers. According to the parliamentary committee, in practice, the buyer’s age is often checked only formally. There are cases when a teenager comes to a store, but the purchase is completed by an adult relative, bypassing restrictions.
After the law is adopted, control may become stricter and liability higher. This means that sellers will have to reconsider their approach to sales and more carefully ensure compliance with the rules. In addition, a separate bill dedicated exclusively to the regulation of electric bicycles is being discussed. This indicates that authorities are planning a systematic development of legislation in this area.
European context and the future of regulation
The proposed changes are not unique. In many European Union countries, stricter rules for powerful personal mobility devices are already in place. In some cases, the minimum age is 16–17, especially for high-speed devices.
Cyprus is essentially moving in the same direction, adapting its legislation to modern realities. The growing popularity of e-scooters and electric bicycles requires new approaches to safety and control. Experts note that such measures could reduce the number of accidents involving minors and make the road environment more predictable. At the same time, it is important that the new rules are accompanied by awareness campaigns and proper enforcement.
At present, the bill is under discussion in the Parliamentary Transport Committee. This means that adjustments and clarifications to certain provisions are still possible. Nevertheless, the direction of change is already clear. Authorities intend to tighten control over the use of personal mobility devices and improve road safety.
If the law is adopted, Cyprus will take another step toward building a stricter and more modern transport system. For residents of the island, this will mean new rules to adapt to—especially for young users of electric transport and their parents.
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