The use of electric scooters, commonly known as e-scooters, has increased significantly in Cyprus in recent years. Promoted as a quick and convenient alternative for daily commuting, they are also seen as a potential solution to reduce traffic congestion. However, their rapid and unregulated proliferation has raised new challenges around road safety, urban planning, and enforcement.
Under current legislation, introduced in September 2022, e-scooter use is permitted on:
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Roads with a speed limit of up to 30 km/h
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Cycle lanes and cycle paths
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Shared pedestrian and cyclist areas (where they extend from cycle lanes)
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Squares and pedestrianised streets only with approval from local authorities, proper signage, and a risk assessment
Illegal Use
Riding on pavements is strictly prohibited. Yet, e-scooters are often seen on roads exceeding 30 km/h and on pavements, putting both riders and pedestrians at risk. Use by children under 14 is also illegal but continues to occur. The Ministry of Transport stresses that enforcement is currently insufficient and must be urgently strengthened.
Police figures for 2023 reveal over 1,500 reports of e-scooter violations, with more than 630 cases involving riding in prohibited areas. No updated figures for subsequent years have been released. Since their introduction, Cyprus has recorded two fatalities linked to e-scooters – in 2019 and 2022 – along with numerous injuries. Between 2021 and 2023, e-scooter-related injuries accounted for 0.9% of all traffic injuries, though more recent statistics have not been provided.
Technical specifications
E-scooters intended for public road use must meet specific technical standards, and sellers are legally obliged to provide written confirmation of compliance. Market surveillance is carried out by the Department of Labour Inspection, while policing in public areas falls under the jurisdiction of the Police and municipal traffic wardens. Rental e-scooters must display a unique identification number, and licensing details form part of the local authority-issued operating permit.
Dr Christos Gkartzonikas, a research associate at the Laboratory of Transport Engineering at the University of Cyprus, emphasises that the law clearly specifies minimum equipment requirements. “Every personal mobility device must have functioning brakes, at least one system capable of safely stopping the scooter, and lights – white or yellow at the front and red at the rear, either steady or flashing,” he explains.
Scooters must also have a bell, suitable tyres, and a maximum design speed of 20 km/h. “When purchased from a Cypriot retailer, the seller is legally required to provide a written statement on the receipt confirming compliance with these technical specifications,” Dr Gkartzonikas adds.
Riders also have clear responsibilities, including wearing a properly fitted helmet and high-visibility clothing at night. He stresses the importance of thorough inspections in both physical and online retail outlets. “Authorities must carry out regular checks and publish the results. Transparency is crucial to inform the public about compliance levels and prevent unsafe products from circulating.”
Accidents and legal responsibility
Currently, the law does not provide a predefined answer regarding liability in e-scooter accidents. Police investigate each incident individually based on circumstances and existing legislation. Insurance is a major issue; discussions in Parliament suggest coverage may be possible if proper infrastructure is in place, with registration and other conditions required.
Owners or custodians of e-scooters are criminally liable if they fail to prevent use by children under 14. Parents or guardians are also responsible if an underage child uses a scooter due to negligence. For other offences, such as riding in prohibited areas, on highways, exceeding 20 km/h, or failing to wear a helmet, liability falls solely on the rider, regardless of age.
Safety first
Although e-scooters were initially presented as a solution to traffic problems, the Ministry of Transport stresses that a more balanced international perspective has now emerged. While e-scooters offer environmental and practical benefits, especially for short trips, they also pose significant road safety risks. They often compete not with private cars but with walking, cycling, and public transport – the more sustainable options.
Many countries are tightening regulations, a direction closely aligned with Cyprus’ model. “There’s no need for blanket bans,” the Ministry says, “as our strategy prioritises road safety above mobility.”
Infrastructure challenges
Dr Gkartzonikas notes that e-scooter use remains geographically limited. “Integration largely depends on the presence of cycle lanes or paths, meaning scooters can effectively be used only in certain urban areas, coastal zones, or along individual routes where infrastructure exists,” he explains.
He stresses the need for a coherent, continuous network of cycle paths, essential for safely integrating all forms of micro-mobility, from e-scooters to electric bicycles. “A connected network would improve linkages between neighbourhoods and key destinations, enhance road safety, and promote sustainable, multimodal urban transport,” he adds.
Without such infrastructure, e-scooters remain confined to “mobility islands,” unable to serve as a genuine alternative to private cars. The Ministry acknowledges gaps in infrastructure and is working with local authorities to expand cycle networks and 20–30 km/h zones. Legislative measures remain flexible, prioritising safety over convenience, with possible future relaxations when conditions allow.
Public awareness
Despite public awareness campaigns over the past two years, the Ministry argues that the problem lies in weak enforcement, particularly by local authorities, creating safety gaps. Additional measures, including legislative action, are being considered. A bill proposing a total ban on e-scooters in Cyprus, citing insufficient enforcement of safety regulations, is currently before Parliament.
Rising popularity
Dr Gkartzonikas confirms that e-scooters and other micro-mobility options can be safe, reliable, and effective, helping to address chronic traffic congestion. Research from the University of Cyprus highlights several key trends:
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Young adults are the most willing to adopt micro-mobility options
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Women are less likely than men to use shared e-scooters
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Unemployed individuals or those without a private car show higher intent to use
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Short distances between home and work increase the likelihood of using shared bicycles or scooters
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Satisfaction with existing infrastructure correlates with increased use
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Public awareness of stations and e-scooter availability boosts usage intent
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Financial incentives, such as discounts, encourage reduced car use and promote micro-mobility
Findings indicate a strong potential user base in densely populated urban areas and university campuses, where distances are short and car use is often unnecessary. Studies also show e-scooters can complement public transport, facilitating “last-mile” journeys. Infrastructure quality remains a critical factor.