Greece bans electric scooters for under-17s in new safety push

Greece is set to implement a ban on electric scooter use for individuals under 17, a move announced by Deputy Minister of Transport Giorgos Kotsiras. The new legislation, which will be presented to Parliament, introduces four key changes to regulate the increasingly popular mode of transport.

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First, it will be forbidden for our fellow citizens under 17 to use them. Second, mandatory insurance for all users will be provided. Third, in cases where we observe increased non-compliance, such as riding scooters on roads where the speed limit is over 50 km/h, the penalties will be much stricter. And fourth, companies will be forbidden from selling or leasing to children under 17. The protection of physical integrity is a priority.

Under the new framework, those younger than 17 will be prohibited from riding electric scooters. Additionally, all users will be required to have mandatory insurance for their scooters. The regulations also stipulate significantly stricter penalties for riders exhibiting high levels of non-compliance, particularly those operating scooters on roads with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h. Furthermore, companies will be forbidden from selling or leasing scooters to individuals under 17, underscoring the government's commitment to protecting the physical integrity of young citizens.

To enhance identification and accountability, a registry for electric scooters will be established within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. This registry aims to facilitate the identification of both the owner and the user of each vehicle. "We now have a more complete legislative environment, especially for our minor citizens, in order to protect their physical integrity and send the message that the protection of human life is an absolute priority," Kotsiras stated.

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We now have a more complete legislative environment, especially for our minor citizens, in order to protect their physical integrity and send the message that the protection of human life is an absolute priority.

The new provisions will be fast-tracked for implementation, separate from broader changes planned for the Road Traffic Code. "We have other interventions planned for the Road Traffic Code, but we have prioritized these provisions for electric scooters now, because we believe that the protection of minors cannot wait any longer," the deputy minister explained. The government's goal is for the stricter framework to take effect by summer.

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We have other interventions planned for the Road Traffic Code, but we have prioritized these provisions for electric scooters now, because we believe that the protection of minors cannot wait any longer.

Basic obligations for all electric scooter users, such as wearing a helmet and refraining from using mobile phones or headphones while riding, remain in force. Mandatory insurance is now added to this list. "The conditions will be the same for everyone: helmet, no mobile phone or headphones, an insurance policy, and an age limit where applicable. From there, the fine imposed will also depend on these factors," Kotsiras noted. He also emphasized the increased penalties for those riding scooters on roads where it is prohibited, such as those with speed limits above 50 km/h.

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The conditions will be the same for everyone: helmet, no mobile phone or headphones, an insurance policy, and an age limit where applicable. From there, the fine imposed will also depend on these factors.