Police to gain power to seize e-scooters for serious violations

Local policeTop Newstransport Police to gain power to seize e-scooters for serious violations Police To Gain Power To Seize E Scooters For Serious Violations Relevant News Police to gain power to seize e-scooters for serious violations 1 September 2026 Binge it or skip it: The Law According to Lidia Poët – A finale full of passion, drama, and justice 1 September 2026 Is Britain expanding its military presence in Cyprus? 1 September 2026 Michalis Hadjivasilis 1 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Police officers and municipal officials will be allowed to seize e-scooters from riders who commit serious legal violations, under a decree prepared by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works. More than four months after amendments to e-scooter legislation and the seizure decree were passed, the decree has now been finalised and put out for public consultation last week. Once published, it will allow devices to be seized in addition to the fixed penalty notice issued to offenders. With e-scooter accidents on the rise, and three rider deaths recorded since 2022, the new measure is expected to bring order to what is currently an unregulated use of these personal mobility devices. According to the announcement, the Department of Public Works, under the Ministry of Transport, has opened a month-long public consultation on the decree, issued under Article 28B(2) of the Regulation of the Movement of Bicycles and Other Personal Mobility Device Laws of 2018 to (No. 2) of 2026 [L.19(I)/2018]. Comments can be submitted until September 26, 2026. When devices can be seized Under the decree, e-scooters will be seized for the following reasons: Using a personal mobility device in an area where it is not permitted to travel Use by a person below the legal minimum age of 17 Using an e-scooter capable of exceeding a speed of 25 kilometres per hour The decree sets out the seizure procedure, with specific provisions for privately owned and rental devices. Seizure will be carried out by a police officer, an authorised municipal or community traffic warden, or another person authorised by the relevant municipality or community. Seizure period of 30 to 90 days The seizure period is set at a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days. Once specific conditions are met, including payment of the fixed penalty, the device may be collected by its owner. Legal background The legislative framework governing personal mobility devices, comprising two laws and one regulation, was passed by the House of Representatives and came into force in 2022, following bills submitted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. The ministry’s policy direction set a strict, restrictive framework, prioritising road safety over the mobility of these devices. Through a series of legislative proposals, largely adopting the ministry’s own recommendations, the House of Representatives further tightened the legislative framework for personal mobility devices in 2026, including the amendment to Article 28B(2) that authorised the minister to issue the seizure decree. Under existing legislation, e-scooters must be fitted with at least one safe braking system, a white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the rear that either flashes or remains constant, a bell to alert pedestrians and other scooter users, and tyres providing adequate road grip, and must be built so as not to exceed a speed of 25 kilometres per hour. Riders are limited to a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour, or 10 kilometres per hour in squares and pedestrian streets. Every licensed rental e-scooter carries a unique number displayed on the device. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said it remains committed to improving road safety for all road users, and encouraged organised groups and members of the public to take part in the consultation if they wish. Existing fines Under current legislation, the following violations carry fixed penalties: Use by persons under 17: €85 Use in a non-permitted area: €85 Exceeding the speed limit: €85 Failure to comply with traffic signals: €85 Illegal parking: €50 Failure to wear a protective helmet: €50 Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Binge it or skip it: The Law According to Lidia Poët – A finale full of passion, drama, and justice Is Britain expanding its military presence in Cyprus? Things to do on Tuesday, September 1 Cyprus gets its first association for social anthropologists Mostly clear Tuesday, isolated showers possible in the mountains Storm damage: 183 homes affected, here’s what residents should do Nicosia flooding exposes gaps in stormwater network, officials say Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.