Police in Nicosia await legal authority to seize illegal electric scooters

Recent reports in Nicosia have highlighted a surge in reckless behavior by minors using electric scooters, who are frequently recorded performing dangerous maneuvers like wheelies on busy roads. Despite the increasing visibility of these violations, police currently lack the legal authority to confiscate the devices. According to Inspector Tasos Ashikkis of the Police Headquarters Traffic Department, officers can issue fines and reports for traffic violations, but offenders are permitted to retain possession of their scooters until a new ministerial decree is fully enacted.

The upcoming decree, which awaits legal vetting and formal approval by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, will empower authorities to seize scooters under specific circumstances. These include use by individuals under the age of 17, operation in prohibited areas, the use of modified devices capable of exceeding 25 km/h, and exceeding 10 km/h in designated pedestrian zones. Until this regulation is implemented, the police continue to rely on standard reporting procedures while monitoring group activities and night-time riding infractions, such as the lack of required reflective safety gear.