Debate on e-scooters in Cyprus: Safety risks are coming more into focus
Debate on e-scooters in Cyprus: Safety risks are coming more into focus
After several serious and fatal accidents involving electric scooters, the issue of road safety has once again become the focus of political discussion in Cyprus. A proposal has been submitted to the Parliament's Transport Committee that even considers a complete ban on e-scooters. The background to this is increasing violations of existing regulations and a lack of control results.
Committee chairman and Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonidis argued that the current situation poses a significant risk to public safety. The aim is to prevent further victims and to persuade the government and municipalities to act decisively.
Stricter rules instead of a total ban?
Not all political forces support a complete ban. The chairman of the environmental movement, Stavros Papadouris, pleads for a stricter set of rules instead of a general ban. His proposal includes:
- Mandatory registration for e-scooters
- Establishment of a central register
- Issuance of license plates or identification features
- Seizure in case of illegal use
Papadouris stresses that alternative forms of mobility are important, but must not be at the expense of safety. Particularly critical, he says, is that some imported scooters can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h — far above the legal limits.
He also drew attention to the fact that online orders from abroad often enter the country without technical controls. Registration could facilitate both accountability and enforcement.
Government examines tightening of existing rules
The Ministry of Transport currently favours a tightening of the existing legal framework instead of a ban. Among other things, the following will be discussed:
- Raising the minimum age from 14 to 16 years Limiting
- the speed limit to 20–25 km/h
- Stronger police powers to confiscate violations
- Visible marking (e.g. coloured stickers) after insurance checks
These measures are intended to enable faster checks in road traffic.
Comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle
Cities warn against returning to the car
Local representatives, especially from Limassol, warn of the consequences of a ban. For many residents, e-scooters are a flexible and environmentally friendly alternative to the car. A complete ban could increase private transport and exacerbate congestion and emissions.
Engineers' associations and the Keve Chamber of Commerce also consider a total ban to be disproportionate. In their view, the main problems lie more in user misconduct, lack of infrastructure and lack of control.
Safety problems and current developments
In recent months, several incidents have fueled the discussion:
- Traffic accidents with serious injuries and deaths
- Manipulated e-bikes and scooters with significantly increased speed
- Cases in which pedestrians – including children – were injured
- Increasing use on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones
In parallel, cities such as Limassol and Nicosia are experiencing a sharp increase in micromobility, especially among young people and delivery services.
At the same time, several municipalities are working on concepts for integrating e-scooters into sustainable transport systems. Separate lanes, parking zones and stricter helmet requirements are being discussed.
Between safety and modern mobility
The parliamentary debate shows the classic conflict of goals: on the one hand, the desire for environmentally friendly and flexible mobility is growing, on the other hand, the pressure to ensure road safety is increasing.
While a complete ban is not currently considered a consensus solution, it is becoming apparent that stricter regulations, better controls and technical standards are inevitable. The coming months are likely to decide whether Cyprus will take the path of stronger regulation or take more drastic measures.
Here are the relevant sources and facts on which the topic is based or has been fueled by current developments.
📰 Current parliamentary debate (February 2026)
- A bill to completely ban e-scooters has been submitted to the Transport Committee, citing
- fatal and serious accidents and inadequate enforcement of the rules.
- Alternatively, a system with registration, license plates and confiscation of violations is being discussed.
👉 This news formed the core of the current political discussion.
⚠️ Increasing safety concerns & accidents
- Authorities see rising accident numbers and dangerous use as a growing problem.
- Between 2019–2025 there were:
- Deaths,
- numerous serious injuries
- , thousands of violations
- Many drivers ignore rules or use scooters on unsuitable roads.
Police statistics also show:
- 25 injured in Collisions since 2019
- Increasing number of injuries with growing use
🚨 Main problems according to authorities & police
Identified risks:
- Use on roads over 30 km/h
- Driving on sidewalks
- Lack of helmets and protective clothing
- Manipulation → speeds up to ~80 km/h
- Weak enforcement of existing rules
⚖️ Current legal situation & Regulations
Currently permitted:
- Use on roads ≤ 30 km/h
- Cycle paths & approved zones
- Minimum age: 14 years Helmet
- requirement & safety equipment mandatory
Scooters must be limited to about 20 km/h by design.
📊 Violations & fines
- Thousands of complaints against drivers since the introduction of the rules Hundreds of
- fines annually for illegal Use
🏙️ Municipal measures & previous decisions
- The city of Paphos banned e-scooters as early as 2025 due to safety risks.
🚲 Infrastructure & mobility debate
Experts emphasise:
- lack of cycle paths complicates safe integration
- Micromobility grows strongly in cities
- Safe infrastructure is safe infrastructure Decisive
🧭 Classification: Why the topic is now escalating
Drivers of the current debate:
✔ increasing use in cities
✔ Accident risks & injured pedestrians
✔ Import of unregulated devices ✔
Lack of registration & liability
✔ Pressure on politicians and municipalities is increasing.
✔ increasing use in cities
✔ Accident risks & injured pedestrians
✔ Import of unregulated devices ✔
Lack of registration & liability
✔ Pressure on politicians and municipalities is increasing.
Comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle
Author: Tom Weyermann
Source: CyprusMail.com / in-cyprus.philenews.com
