Cyprus to tighten e-scooter regulations amid safety and enforcement concerns

Source: PHILENEWS

The Cypriot government is preparing to introduce stricter regulations for electric scooters in response to growing safety concerns and widespread regulatory failures, with a particular focus on the role of e-scooter sharing companies operating across the island.

E-scooter companies under scrutiny

E-scooter sharing companies operating in Cyprus are now under increased scrutiny for their role in this unregulated landscape. These companies have been able to expand rapidly, often without adequate coordination with local authorities. As a result, scooters frequently appear in areas without proper infrastructure or oversight, and many exceed the legal speed limits.

To address this, the government is working closely with stakeholders, including e-scooter rental firms and importers, to draft legislative amendments aimed at improving control and accountability.

Proposed legislative changes

• Key proposals currently under consultation include:
• Mandatory registration by importers to declare whether scooters exceed the 20km/h speed limit.
• Compulsory insurance coverage for both scooters and users.
• Inclusion of electric bicycles used for professional purposes under existing personal mobility device (PMD) laws.
• Introduction of geofencing technology to automatically limit speed or prevent scooters from operating outside designated zones.

These proposals aim to modernize and strengthen enforcement mechanisms, particularly by leveraging technology to ensure compliance in real time.

Calls for EU-wide best practices

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has supported Cyprus’s push for reform, advocating for mandatory rider training and a ban on e-scooter use on pavements. Geofencing is seen as a vital tool in achieving these goals, by limiting scooter operation to specific areas and ensuring speed compliance.

Enforcement challenges remain

Currently, penalties for non-compliance include fines ranging from €50 to €85 for violations such as riding without a helmet, speeding, or using scooters outside designated lanes. However, reportedly, these fines are rarely enforced, further weakening the impact of the legislation.

To date, Cyprus has recorded two e-scooter-related deaths and several injuries. In 2022 alone, the EU saw 119 fatalities and 5,867 injuries involving PMDs, highlighting the urgency of effective regulation.

Looking ahead

As the revised framework is prepared for presentation to Parliament, authorities are urging municipalities and e-scooter companies to take greater responsibility. Effective collaboration between public bodies and private operators will be essential in helping to ensure the safe and sustainable integration of e-scooters into Cyprus’s urban mobility ecosystem.