Cyprus moves to regulate e-scooter usage amid safety concerns

Authorities in Cyprus are initiating a new regulatory framework to address the widespread and often reckless use of e-scooters, which has led to several fatalities since 2022. The Ministry of Transport has opened a public consultation for a new decree that will empower police and municipal officials to impound e-scooters for 30 to 90 days if riders commit serious traffic violations. This measure complements existing fines and seeks to curb incidents involving reckless riding on sidewalks and pedestrian areas in cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.

The public consultation process, hosted on the government's e-consultation platform, is scheduled to conclude on September 26, 2026. Following the consultation, the draft decree will undergo legal review before implementation. Meanwhile, local authorities, including the Nicosia Municipality, are taking supplementary steps, such as establishing over 100 designated parking spots for scooters and expanding low-speed zones. These actions follow years of criticism regarding the lack of infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms, as the rapid growth of rental fleets outpaced existing traffic legislation.