Greece to tighten electric scooter rules, impose €1,000 fine for underage use

Greece is preparing to introduce a stricter legal framework for electric scooters, focusing on enhanced safety measures and increased penalties, especially for underage users.

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the issue of electric scooters has greatly troubled the government.

Giorgos Kotsiras, the Deputy Minister of Transport, announced that the proposed legislation, currently under public consultation, aims to address concerns about e-scooter usage that have "greatly troubled" the government. The new rules will impose stricter fines for those who violate speed limits on roads with a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour. Kotsiras emphasized that the legislative changes are part of a bill that is being rapidly processed to ensure swift adoption.

A significant change will be the prohibition of selling or providing electric scooters to individuals under the age of 17. Both the underage users themselves and those who provide, rent, or sell the scooters to them will face penalties. A substantial fine of €1,000 will be imposed on anyone caught providing an e-scooter to a minor.

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holes in the system that can endanger underage users in particular.

Furthermore, the new regulations will mandate the use of helmets and prohibit the use of mobile phones and headphones while riding. A reflective vest will also be required during nighttime hours, and mandatory insurance for e-scooters will be introduced. "These provisions and predictions are being made to reduce accidents, protect human life, and primarily protect our underage citizens," Kotsiras stated.

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The fine for those who provide a scooter to a minor will amount to 1,000 euros.

Additional measures will address the issue of improperly parked e-scooters that obstruct traffic flow. Fines will be issued to individual owners for scooters parked on ramps or other inconvenient locations, while rental companies will be required to designate specific parking areas. The ministry is collaborating closely with local authorities to improve organization and safety on the roads. Kotsiras highlighted the close cooperation with the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Hellenic Police, stating that interventions will occur where "even stricter treatment is needed." The ultimate goal, he stressed, is the "protection of the integrity and lives of our fellow citizens."

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These provisions and predictions are being made to reduce accidents, protect human life, and primarily protect our underage citizens.