Cyprus could soon require electric scooters to be registered with number plates, owner identification and technical inspections if new measures fail to curb widespread traffic violations, Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki has told Phileleftheros. The warning comes amid renewed concern over deaths and serious injuries involving the devices, particularly following the death of 16-year-old Aris Papacharalambous. He died on 26 September from injuries sustained when a car struck the scooter he was riding in Aglantzia on 7 August. Tsolaki acknowledged that existing legislation is not being adequately enforced and that police face significant difficulties monitoring the use of electric scooters across the island.
Under the proposed system, electric scooters would be registered similarly to motor vehicles, carrying identification numbers and records of ownership while undergoing inspections to ensure they meet technical specifications. The minister said this could also pave the way for insurance coverage, which is not currently available for these vehicles. Meanwhile, the government is preparing a decree allowing authorities to impound electric scooters when riders break the law. Public consultation on the measure was completed at the end of September. Current rules already mandate that riders be at least 17 years old, wear a protective helmet and keep speed below 25 km/h. Vehicles must meet lighting standards and may only be used on roads with a 30 km/h speed limit or on cycle paths.
Tsolaki raised the issue at an informal meeting of European Union transport ministers and approached European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. She proposed examining a common European legislative framework, though she believes a complete ban should be considered only as a last resort. Former DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonides has sharply criticised the authorities for failing to address the risks and accused colleagues of bowing to commercial interests from scooter sellers and tourism operators. He said he received messages almost daily from mothers worried about their children’s safety. "They tell me, 'Save our children'," he said.
Police spokesperson Vyron Vyronos acknowledged that violations remain widespread despite targeted traffic enforcement operations across all districts. He stressed that police take illegal and dangerous scooter use seriously and conduct targeted checks throughout Cyprus. Sotiris Ioannou, chairman of parliament’s Transport Committee, warned that stricter measures could follow if enforcement fails to improve road safety. He recalled that parliament passed tougher legislation in April 2026 and identified the publication of the impoundment decree as a priority. "Public safety cannot wait for the next fatal accident," he said.