**E-scooter Injuries Rise as Citations Reach 5,000 This Year**
The use of electric scooters in Cyprus has come under scrutiny as injuries related to their operation have sharply increased, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and revisions to existing regulations. During a recent session of the House transport committee, police reported a concerning trend in e-scooter incidents, revealing that the number of injuries has escalated despite numerous complaints from the public.
According to police statistics, the number of e-scooter injury incidents recorded in 2024 was two, which rose to 15 in 2025, with six of those being classified as serious. As of this year, there have already been nine reported incidents, including two fatalities and four serious injuries. Notably, among these incidents, nine involved minors, highlighting a growing concern regarding youth safety.
The rise in injuries correlates with an increase in citations issued by law enforcement. So far this year, police have issued approximately 5,141 citations, a significant jump from the 2,499 citations recorded in 2024 and 2,766 in 2025. The majority of these violations pertain to the use of scooters in prohibited areas, such as pedestrian pavements, which has become a focal point for lawmakers advocating for stricter regulations.
During the committee meeting, Members of Parliament expressed their support for the continued use of e-scooters but emphasized the urgent need for enhanced enforcement measures. They pointed out the inadequacies of current infrastructure, including the lack of suitable bike lanes, which complicates safe scooter operation. A representative from the public works department acknowledged that existing road designs are not conducive to e-scooter use, noting that creating adequate cycling infrastructure would require reallocating space from roads and parking areas—a proposal that has previously met with public opposition.
In response to the rising incidents and calls for action, the transport ministry has prepared a draft decree that would allow for the impounding of scooters for 30 to 90 days for specific offenses. These include riding on pedestrian pavements, allowing minors under 17 to operate scooters, and using scooters that can exceed the speed limit of 25 km/h. Under the proposed system, owners would have the option to pay an out-of-court fine to retrieve their scooters after the impoundment period. If fines are not settled, scooters would remain impounded until court proceedings are initiated.
Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides has also introduced a bill that aims to impose criminal penalties on minors caught riding electric scooters, which would extend to their parents as well. This proposal reflects growing concern over the safety of younger riders and the accountability of guardians.
Current regulations permit e-scooters to operate only on roads with speed limits of up to 30 km/h and designated cycle paths. However, public works department engineer Haris Christodoulou pointed out that these restrictions significantly limit where scooters can be legally used, particularly in urban areas where most roads have a 50 km/h speed limit.
In an effort to address these challenges, the Nicosia municipality is expanding 30 km/h zones and plans to establish over 100 designated parking spaces for scooters. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos has stated that these spaces are intended to minimize the obstruction of public areas and ensure pedestrian safety.
Earlier this year, the government implemented stricter regulations, raising the minimum age for riding e-scooters to 17 and increasing the speed threshold for penalties from 20 km/h to 25 km/h. Police have ramped up enforcement efforts, resulting in more than 1,000 charges filed during recent campaigns targeting violations such as not wearing helmets and failing to don required high-visibility clothing.
As the popularity of electric scooters continues to grow, the combination of rising injuries and increased citations underscores the pressing need for a balanced approach that prioritizes safety while accommodating the evolving transportation landscape in Cyprus. The ongoing discussions among lawmakers, law enforcement, and public works officials will be crucial in shaping the future of e-scooter regulations and infrastructure in the country.