Cyprus Raises Minimum Age for Electric Scooters to 17

Recent legislative changes in Cyprus have introduced new rules for the use of electric scooters, aiming to improve safety while maintaining their presence in public spaces.

A Higher Age Limit for Riders

Parliament has approved an increase in the minimum age for using electric scooters from 14 to 17 years old. This change aligns the age requirement with that of a learner’s driving licence.

The decision reflects a broader effort to strengthen road safety, particularly for younger users.

New Measures to Improve Safety

Alongside the age increase, the new legislation introduces several additional provisions:

• Fines may be imposed on individuals who allow underage use of scooters
• Penalties may also apply to riders carrying passengers below the legal age
• Police are now authorised to temporarily seize scooters in cases of violations
• Scooters must comply with European standards and carry appropriate markings

In addition, the speed threshold for penalties has been increased from 20 km/h to 25 km/h.

No Total Ban on Scooters

Proposals to completely ban electric scooters from public spaces were discussed but ultimately rejected by a majority in Parliament.

While concerns were raised about safety risks and accidents, lawmakers concluded that the issue lies more in the lack of effective rules and enforcement rather than the existence of scooters themselves.

A Focus on Regulation Rather Than Prohibition

The adopted approach reflects a clear intention: to regulate the use of electric scooters rather than eliminate them.

The new measures aim to:

• Improve safety for users, drivers, and pedestrians
• Introduce clearer rules and responsibilities
• Provide a framework until more comprehensive systems are developed

Ongoing Concerns and Future Steps

The issue returned to Parliament following a series of accidents and ongoing concerns about enforcement since the original framework was introduced in 2022.

Although additional proposals—such as a registry and insurance requirements—were discussed, they were not included in the final legislation.

Moving Towards Safer Mobility

These changes mark another step in Cyprus’ efforts to adapt to the growing use of electric scooters. By raising the age limit and strengthening regulations, authorities aim to create a safer environment for all road users while allowing this mode of transport to remain part of everyday mobility.

Source : Cyprus Mail