Nicosia, Cyprus. A proposal to ban electric scooters outright was placed before the House transport committee on Thursday after a recent series of fatal and serious accidents. Lawmakers also discussed alternative measures focused on stricter regulation and enforcement.
Proposal for an outright ban
The bill was submitted by Dipa MP and committee chair Alekos Tryfonidis, who said enforcement failures and persistent violations had turned scooters into a public safety risk.
“The aim is to solve the problem and not mourn any more victims,” he said, adding that the proposal was intended to press both the government and local authorities to act decisively.
Alternative plan focused on regulation
Ecologist leader Stavros Papadouris opposed an outright ban and called instead for stricter regulation.
His proposal includes registration of electric scooters, the creation of a dedicated registry, the issuance of licence plates, and the power to confiscate scooters when used unlawfully.
“We support those who choose alternatives to car transport, but not at the expense of safety,” he said, warning that some scooters in circulation can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, above legal limits.
Accidents and import controls
Papadouris said at least three fatal accidents involving scooters have been recorded.
He said he would reconsider a total ban only if an alternative framework ensured effective control over imports and compliance with technical standards.
“If someone orders a scooter from abroad, it arrives without checks,” he said, adding that registration would address both accountability and enforcement deficiencies.
Transport ministry proposals
The transport ministry proposed tightening the existing framework by raising the minimum age for use from 14 to 16, reducing maximum speeds to between 20 and 25 kilometres per hour, and allowing police to confiscate devices after offences.
Do you support an outright ban on electric scooters, or stricter regulation instead?