Nicosia, Cyprus. Parliament voted on Thursday to raise the minimum age for using electric scooters to 17, approving a package of legislative changes while rejecting proposals for an outright ban in public spaces.
Age limit raised and new penalties introduced
The House approved proposals submitted by Disy MPs Fotini Tsiridou and Demetris Demetriou, increasing the age limit from 14 to 17 and aligning it with the age for a learner’s driving licence. The legislation also introduces provisions allowing fines for those who permit underage use and for riders carrying passengers below the legal age.
Standards, markings and police seizure powers
MPs also backed proposals by Ecologists’ Movement leader Stavros Papadouris requiring scooters to meet European standards and bear appropriate marking. The changes grant police the authority to temporarily seize scooters in cases of violations.
Speed threshold for penalties increased
A separate amendment increases the speed threshold for penalties to 25 kilometres per hour, from 20.
Proposal to prohibit use in public spaces rejected
Proposals submitted by Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonides to prohibit the use of scooters in public spaces and restrict related business activity were rejected by a majority. Tryfonides said his proposal aimed to address what he described as growing safety risks, stating that “every day we face the risk of having accidents with young people riding scooters”, adding that such incidents are “not isolated”.
He said, “uncontrolled use, the failure to implement existing legislation, create a dangerous environment for the users themselves, for drivers, but also for pedestrians”. He acknowledged that most stakeholders opposed a total ban during committee discussions, stating that “the problem is not the existence of the devices, but the absence of rules and effective control”. He added that “either we continue with the same situation, or we move towards radical solutions”, arguing that safety must take precedence.
How do you think the new age limit and enforcement measures will affect electric scooter use in public spaces?