Greece is set to ban the use of electric scooters by people under the age of 17 under new legislation being introduced to Parliament, as authorities move to tighten safety rules for these vehicles.
The new bill, announced by Deputy Transport Minister Giorgos Kotsiras, includes four major changes aimed at improving the safety of electric scooter users and protecting minors.
The measures are expected to be implemented during the summer, with the government saying that the protection of young people’s safety cannot wait for broader changes to the national traffic code.
Four key changes in the new e-scooter rules
Under the new framework:
- Riders under 17 will no longer be allowed to use electric scooters.
- Insurance will become mandatory for all electric scooter users.
- Stricter penalties will apply for violations, particularly when scooters are used on roads where they are not permitted, including roads with speed limits above 50 km/h.
- Companies will be banned from selling or renting electric scooters to children under 17.
“The protection of physical safety is a priority,” Kotsiras said, adding that the new rules aim to create a more complete legal framework for electric scooter use.
New electric scooter registry planned
The legislation also provides for the creation of an electric scooter registry under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
The registry will allow authorities to identify the owner and user of each vehicle, according to the minister.
Kotsiras said the system is intended to improve accountability and support the enforcement of the new regulations.
Existing safety obligations remain
The new rules will add to existing requirements for electric scooter riders.
Users will still be required to:
- Wear a helmet.
- Avoid using mobile phones or headphones while riding.
- Follow traffic restrictions and safety regulations.
The introduction of mandatory insurance will become an additional requirement for all riders.
Tougher penalties for dangerous use
Authorities are also focusing on cases where electric scooters are used in areas considered unsafe, such as roads where the speed limit exceeds 50 km/h.
According to the Transport Ministry, violations in these cases will face significantly stricter penalties.
Kotsiras said the government decided to introduce the electric scooter measures separately from upcoming changes to the wider traffic code, due to concerns over the safety of minors.
“The protection of human life is an absolute priority,” he said.
