Cyprus proposes ban on e-scooters and introduction of heavy fines

A bill has been submitted to the Cypriot Parliament proposing a complete ban on the use of e-scooters on the country’s roads. The initiative was presented by Democratic Party (DIKO) MP Marinos Musiuttas, who noted that existing regulations for personal mobility devices are insufficiently effective.

According to the MP, e-scooters have recently been used chaotically, and their parking creates problems for both drivers and pedestrians. The increasing number of violations and accidents, in his view, requires stricter legislation. If the bill is passed, companies renting e-scooters risk losing their operating licenses.

The proposal includes severe penalties. Private users may face fines of up to €1,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. Parents of children under 14 who allow their children to use e-scooters may also be held accountable. Penalties for companies and individuals renting e-scooters are even stricter — fines up to €5,000 or imprisonment up to six months.

Currently, e-scooter use in Cyprus is permitted on roads with speed limits up to 30 km/h, on bicycle lanes, in areas continuing these lanes, and on squares or pedestrian zones with municipal approval. The minimum age for users is 14, with helmets and reflective clothing mandatory when riding after dark.

The bill will be submitted to the parliamentary transport committee. Musiuttas has previously emphasized the need to amend the law due to the rising number of e-scooter violations and incidents.