Cyprus Police have officially announced the entry into force of two new laws regulating the use of electric scooters and other personal mobility devices. The amendments to existing legislation significantly tighten requirements for riders, rental companies, and parents of underage users.
The main change is the increase in the minimum age for riding an electric scooter from 14 to 17 years old. Authorities explain that the decision aims to align scooter regulations more closely with the rules for obtaining a learner driver’s permit and to reduce the number of accidents involving teenagers.
The new restrictions also apply to carrying passengers. Transporting another person on an electric scooter is now only permitted from the age of 17, whereas previously the age limit was significantly lower. The tightening of legislation is linked to the growing number of accidents involving electric scooters.
What Will Change for Electric Scooter Owners
The updated legislation affects not only age restrictions but also the technical specifications of the devices themselves. Electric scooters used in Cyprus must now comply with the European safety standard CYS EN 17128:2020 and carry the appropriate certification marking.
Speed regulations have also changed. The threshold for speeding violations has been increased from 20 to 25 km/h. At the same time, police emphasize that enforcement of the rules will become significantly stricter, especially in tourist areas and major cities across the island.
Additional powers have been granted to municipalities and local communities. Local authorities will now be able to independently determine zones where electric scooters are permitted, restricted, or completely prohibited.
Police Have Been Granted the Right to Confiscate Scooters
One of the most widely discussed innovations is the police’s right to temporarily confiscate electric scooters from violators. Devices may be seized until the violation is resolved and the fine is fully paid.
The amount of fines generally remains unchanged, although enforcement will become stricter. Riding without lights, improper parking, or using scooters outside permitted zones carries a fine of €50.
More serious violations, including underage riding, riding without a helmet, running a red light, or speeding, will result in an €85 fine.
Authorities have also placed special emphasis on adults who allow children to use electric scooters. Additional sanctions are for such cases, as minors remain among the most frequent participants in accidents involving this type of transport.
How the Micromobility Market Is Changing in Cyprus
Over the past few years, electric scooters have become an important part of urban mobility in Cyprus, especially in the tourist areas of Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia. However, the rapid growth in popularity of this form of transport has outpaced the development of infrastructure and regulation systems.
Against the backdrop of the new rules, experts expect stricter control over rental services and the gradual development of dedicated lanes and parking zones for micromobility transport. Authorities are also discussing the introduction of additional requirements for insurance, device registration, and digital monitoring of rental platforms. The new laws are viewed as an attempt to find a balance between the development of modern urban mobility and ensuring road safety across the island.
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Photos: pixabay.com, DOM
