Police say they are ready to bring order to the growing issue of electric scooters, as they await a ministerial decree that will activate new powers granted under amended legislation governing personal mobility devices. For the first time, the law will allow officers to confiscate scooters in specific cases of non-compliance, although the exact application of the measure will depend on the content of the decree expected in the coming period.
The updated legislation also raises the minimum age of use from 14 to 17, increases the maximum permitted speed from 20 to 25 kilometres per hour, and gives municipalities the authority to impose conditions on rental companies. These include setting limits on the number of scooters operating in each area, designating parking spaces and requiring the use of geolocation and real-time speed control systems.
At the same time, Police officers and authorised traffic wardens will be able to retain devices used by individuals under the age of 17, operated in prohibited areas or exceeding the speed limit of 25 kilometres per hour.
Awaiting the decree
Speaking to Politis, Traffic Police headquarters sub-inspector Tasos Ashikkis said consultation between the Police and the Ministry of Transport will take place before the new measures are implemented, in order to establish procedures and issue relevant guidelines.
One of the issues under discussion is the storage of confiscated devices. “The possibility of designating specific areas in police stations for their storage is being examined,” he said.
The increase in the speed limit also raises questions about enforcement. According to Traffic Police, the necessary tools are already available, with officers able to use radar and speed detection devices.
The higher minimum age is another key change. When a minor is found using an electric scooter, a fine will be issued to the parent or guardian. Once the new provisions are fully implemented, the device may also be confiscated.
A major gap
Despite stricter rules, a key weakness in the legislation remains the issue of insurance. Mr Ashikkis said the previous Parliament had discussed making insurance mandatory for electric scooters but did not proceed with regulation.
Infrastructure shortcomings
Mr Ashikkis acknowledged that Cyprus still lags significantly behind other European countries in micro-mobility infrastructure. He said the aim is to remove scooters from areas used by pedestrians and restrict them to roads where the speed limit does not exceed 25 kilometres per hour.
“We want to remove them from these areas because they pose a risk both to pedestrians and to other road users,” he said.
According to previous reporting by Politis, between 2019 and June 2025 there were 25 casualties in collisions involving electric scooters, including two fatalities, 14 serious injuries and nine minor injuries. In the first half of 2025 alone, seven injuries were recorded. In February 2026, another fatal incident occurred in Limassol, involving a 26-year-old woman.
