Greece Bans E-Scooters for Under-17s, Hikes Fines Amid Safety Concerns

Athens, Greece – Greece has implemented a new law prohibiting individuals under 17 from riding e-scooters, accompanied by significantly higher fines for violations, in response to a surge in accidents involving these popular modes of transport.

The Greek Ministry of Transport introduced the legislation following a series of severe, sometimes fatal, accidents involving young e-scooter riders. The government aims to bolster road safety and protect lives, especially those of children, by tightening regulations on e-scooter usage. The ban on riders under 17 is a key measure, with offenders facing a €150 fine. Rental companies that allow underage individuals to use e-scooters risk a €1,000 penalty, and are also required to verify customer age before renting or selling.

Beyond the age restriction, the new law introduces mandatory civil liability insurance for all e-scooter riders. Proof of insurance and personal identification must be carried at all times, with fines of €250 for non-compliance. Fines for riding in prohibited areas, such as roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or higher, have also increased substantially, from €30 to €350.

Further regulations target improper parking, with e-scooters blocking sidewalks or pedestrian crossings subject to removal and fines ranging from €40 to €80. Riders caught without helmets or using mobile phones/headphones while riding face penalties between €40 and €150. These measures reflect a broader effort to curb the growing number of accidents and ensure safer streets for all road users.