Greece tightens rules for electric scooters and ATVs

Greece is introducing significant changes to its Traffic Code (KOK) aimed at improving road safety, particularly concerning electric scooters and ATVs, often referred to as "go-karts" or "γουρούνες" in Greek. These new regulations are expected to affect thousands of drivers and pedestrians.

A key change involves ATVs, which are popular among tourists. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport plans to require individuals to have held a driver's license for at least five years before they can rent and operate these four-wheeled vehicles. This measure seeks to curb accidents caused by very young and inexperienced drivers.

"We will introduce a regulation that requires at least 5 years of holding a license for renting a 'go-kart,' so that very young and inexperienced drivers do not operate them," stated Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis.

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We will introduce a regulation that requires at least 5 years of holding a license for renting a 'go-kart,' so that very young and inexperienced drivers do not operate them.

Regulations for electric scooters will also be tightened. A primary change will be the prohibition of use by minors. Furthermore, rental companies will be mandated to ensure their scooters are insured, providing compensation in case of accidents. They will also be required to designate parking areas and collect abandoned scooters from streets daily, a practice not currently obligatory.

These measures align with regulations in other EU member states, where similar restrictions, such as a minimum driving experience of two years and an age limit of 21, are often in place for renting such vehicles.

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Companies will have to check both the possession of a driver's license and the provision of protective equipment. It is forbidden to rent a motorcycle, 'go-kart,' or any other two-wheeled vehicle without a helmet.