Electric Scooters in Cyprus: Over 5,000 Violations in 2026

Electric scooters will remain a legal means of transport in Cyprus, but MPs are demanding stricter inspections and changes to the regulations. Since the beginning of 2026 alone, police have recorded 5,141 violations related to personal mobility devices – almost twice as many as in all of 2025.

The most common offenses involve riding scooters in prohibited areas. This year, there have also been nine accidents involving injuries: two people died and four were seriously injured. Parliament is considering new measures, including penalties for minors and their parents, and the confiscation of scooters for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Electric scooters in Cyprus: enforcement is a problem

The topic was discussed during a meeting of the Parliamentary Transport Committee. The majority of MPs supported the continued approval of electric scooters, but only if the existing rules were more effectively enforced.

According to MPs, the problem is not the complete lack of regulations, but their compliance and the insufficient number of inspections.

Scooters were hailed as a modern and relatively inexpensive way to get around. At the same time, MPs highlighted the chaos prevailing in many places and the behavior that poses a threat to pedestrians, drivers, and users themselves.

A sharp increase in the number of offenses

Data presented by Cyprus Police show a significant increase in the number of violations detected:

• 2024 – 2499,
• 2025 – 2766,
• 2026 – 5141 until the committee meeting.

This means that even before the end of 2026, the number of police reports regarding violations of the regulations will be approximately 86% higher than during the whole of the previous year.

Most often, scooter users travel in places where the use of such devices is prohibited.

Two fatalities this year

The increase in offenses isn't the only cause for concern. Police also provided data on accidents and injuries.

In 2024, two injury incidents were reported, including one involving a seriously injured person. A year later, there were 15 such incidents, six of which were classified as serious.

Since the beginning of 2026, nine incidents have been recorded. Two resulted in death and four resulted in serious injuries.

A total of nine cases in recent years involved minors.

The scooter may be impounded for 90 days

The Ministry of Transport has prepared a draft regulation allowing the retention of electric scooters for a period from 30 to 90 days.

The document is currently in the public consultation phase and will then be submitted to the Legal Service. This means that the proposed rules are not yet legally binding.

The Ministry also intends to analyze the possibility of mandatory scooter registration and linking it to restrictions and insurance. The cost of such a system will be estimated before a decision is made.

The lack of mandatory insurance currently causes problems in the event of a collision. MPs pointed out that a car driver injured in an accident caused by a scooter user may have difficulty obtaining compensation.

Penalties for minors and parental responsibility

DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvides announced the presentation of a new draft law.

It provides for the possibility of initiating proceedings and imposing penalties on persons under 17 years of age who are caught using an electric scooter illegally.

The proposal also provides for the possibility of criminal prosecution of their parents. Savvides argues that the analysis confirmed the possibility of imposing fines on minors as well.

At this stage, however, it is a parliamentary proposal, not a binding provision.

There is a lack of safe infrastructure

The state of infrastructure was also criticized during the meeting. A representative from the Public Works Department admitted that the current road network is not practical for users of personal mobility devices.

He pointed out, however, that creating bike paths and scooter lanes everywhere isn't feasible. It would require limiting the space allocated to cars and parking spaces, as well as making changes to residential neighborhoods.

Such projects trigger local protests, as exemplified by the reactions to infrastructure changes in Limassol.

The conclusion from the committee meeting is clear: scooters are not to be banned, but inspections will have to become more frequent and the regulations will have to be enforced more effectively.

Sources: Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Cyprus Police, Ministry of Transport, Philenews.