Bolt backs e-scooter enforcement as Cyprus plans impoundments

Nicosia, Cyprus. Mobility service provider Bolt said on Tuesday it was not concerned by government plans to impound electric scooters, citing its safety measures and cooperation with Cypriot authorities.

The public works department is preparing a decree allowing e-scooters to be impounded for between 30 and 90 days for offences including speeding, underage use and riding in prohibited areas.

Bolt safety measures

Bolt said safety was its top priority and that it supported effective and proportionate enforcement against unsafe or unlawful e-scooter use.

The company said it would continue working closely with Cypriot authorities and municipalities as the regulatory framework develops.

Bolt said its measures include a fleet-wide speed limit of 20km/h, geofenced low-speed and no-parking zones, in-app safety education and regular vehicle maintenance.

It added that technology could improve safety but should be supported by connected cycling infrastructure, sufficient designated parking and safe routes. The company said it aimed to ensure micromobility remained a safe and sustainable transport option in Cyprus.

Planned impoundment rules

E-scooters are currently permitted only on roads with speed limits of up to 30km/h and on cycling paths, significantly limiting where they can legally be used.

Public works department executive engineer Haris Christodoulou told the Cyprus News Agency that e-scooters could be impounded for between 30 and 90 days if they are used in prohibited areas, ridden by people under 17, or capable of exceeding 25km/h.

Owners would be able to pay an out-of-court fine and collect their scooter after the impoundment period expires, Christodoulou said. If the fine is not paid, the scooter would remain impounded until court proceedings begin.

It was not clear who would be required to pay in the case of a rented vehicle.