**E-Scooter Offences Could Lead to 90-Day Impoundment Under New Draft Decree**
The use of e-scooters in Cyprus is set to face stricter regulations, as a new draft decree announced by the public works department proposes the potential impoundment of e-scooters for up to 90 days for various offences. This initiative aims to address growing concerns regarding road safety and the appropriate use of these vehicles.
According to Haris Christodoulou, an executive engineer with the public works department, the proposed regulations target specific infractions including speeding, underage use, and riding in areas where e-scooters are prohibited. Offenders caught riding e-scooters capable of exceeding 25 km/h or by individuals under the age of 17 could see their scooters impounded for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Owners of impounded scooters will have the option to pay an out-of-court fine, allowing them to retrieve their vehicles once the designated impoundment period has concluded. However, if fines are not paid, the scooters will remain impounded until court proceedings commence.
Christodoulou highlighted several safety concerns associated with e-scooter use, noting that the small size of these vehicles and their lighting can make them difficult for other road users to see, particularly at night. Additionally, he pointed out that the scooters' small tyres are less capable of handling poor road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
The regulations specify that e-scooters are only permitted on roads with speed limits of up to 30 km/h and on designated cycle paths. This significantly limits where e-scooters can be legally operated, especially in urban areas where the majority of roads have speed limits of 50 km/h.
In response to these challenges, the public works department is working on enhancing cycling infrastructure across the island. Christodoulou emphasized the need for local authorities to establish more 30 km/h zones, a move that has received approval from the transport ministry through a grant scheme. He noted that creating such zones is often more feasible than constructing new cycling paths.
Nicosia's mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, has also expressed a commitment to improving e-scooter safety and organization. The municipality plans to expand 30 km/h zones and create over 100 designated parking spaces for e-scooters to prevent them from obstructing pedestrian pathways. Construction of these parking facilities is expected to begin shortly.
Prountzos addressed the issue of rental e-scooters, which are licensed by the municipality and must adhere to authorized routes. Despite the presence of an automatic shut-off system designed to deactivate scooters when they leave designated areas, there have been instances where GPS systems were found to be disabled. To combat this, new licensing regulations will include automatic revocation of a rental company’s license if its scooters are found operating outside authorized routes after GPS deactivation.
The mayor also advocated for stricter controls on the import of e-scooters that exceed the legal speed limit and suggested that additional safety measures, such as mandatory helmets, could be implemented. While he called for enhanced regulation, Prountzos acknowledged the importance of micromobility in reducing reliance on cars in urban settings, particularly in Nicosia, which is home to around 50,000 students.
"Micro-mobility is essential in cities," he stated, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that promotes safe usage while recognizing the benefits of e-scooters in urban transportation.
The municipality is actively working on expanding 30 km/h zones, especially in residential areas, to facilitate safer coexistence between conventional vehicles and micromobility devices. A study has been conducted to identify schools, parks, and other key locations to prioritize routes for inclusion in the expanded network.
Prountzos emphasized that the successful implementation of these new regulations will require collaboration between the transport ministry, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies. He also noted the necessity for the municipality to have the legal authority to remove e-scooters from public spaces to mitigate the current "image of disorder."
In conclusion, the proposed draft decree and accompanying measures reflect a concerted effort by Cyprus authorities to enhance road safety and regulate the use of e-scooters. As the popularity of these vehicles continues to rise, the focus on responsible usage and infrastructure development will be crucial for fostering a safe and efficient urban transport environment.