On Thursday, both members of the Parliamentary Committee on Transportation and government agencies involved in regulation as well as the oversight of legislation regarding the use of personal mobility devices (scooters) and electric bicycles. According to the data presented, there were 5,141 complaints in the first eight months of this year, while traffic accidents involving scooters resulted in four serious injuries, three minor injuries, and two fatalities.
Members of Parliament expressed a variety of views, which, among other things, focused on monitoring the enforcement of the law, the need to create appropriate infrastructure, or even a ban on the use of such devices.
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According to data presented to the Committee by the police, the number of complaints regarding the use of scooters or electric bicycles has increased exponentially over the past three years, with complaints primarily concerning their use in inappropriate areas.
Based on this data, the police spokesperson before the Committee noted that the problem will be resolved by securing the necessary areas for the use of such devices, rather than by registering them. Specifically, he stated that if a bike lane exists up to a certain point and then ends, recommendations should be made for alternative routes, while also highlighting the need for cooperation with local authorities to find a solution.
As for complaints, they totaled 2,499 in 2024 and 2,766 in 2025, while this year, through August, they skyrocketed to 5,141. According to the same data, in 2024 there were two injuries reported while using such devices, one of which was serious; in 2025, the number of injuries rose to 15, six of which were serious, while through the end of July 2026, there were four serious injuries, three minor ones, and two fatalities in Limassol.
As noted, most incidents occur in Limassol, followed by Larnaca. The majority of those injured are between the ages of 25 and 39, while five are under 18.
Aphrodite Kofterou, Chief Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Transport, emphasized the need for better oversight of the enforcement of current legislation, a matter for which the police expressed their readiness, although trade unions also voiced the view that not all responsibilities should be placed on the police force.
In any case, Ms. Kofterou also expressed the Ministry’s willingness to agree to amendments to the legislation, and conveyed the Minister’s intention to examine the issue of the registration and insurance of these devices, noting, however, that in order to make such a decision, the costs and benefits must be weighed.
Ms. Kofterou also referred to the draft decree under consideration regarding the seizure of devices in the event of legal violations, noting that it has been in the consultation process since August 26. She explained that, should the decree be implemented, subsequent actions will be determined accordingly.
On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Filippos Theodorou argued that time should be allowed to assess the decree’s effectiveness so that, in light of this, the implementation of the legislation could also be evaluated, while arguing that the insurance and registration of these devices would not be particularly helpful.
However, the Director of the Union of Municipalities, Michalis Sokratous, expressed reservations, noting that it is very difficult for a municipality to assume responsibility for impounding devices, while also adding that traffic officers cannot verify the identities of device users, since the latter are not required to provide their information to municipal authorities.
Furthermore, in his remarks, the President of the Police Branch of the “Isotita” union, Nikos Loizidis, expressed the view that effective checks can only be carried out if these devices are registered and insured. Otherwise, he said, their use should be banned.
At the same time, it was emphasized that controls must also be ensured on the import of such devices into Cyprus, since, as noted by both Members of Parliament and a representative of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, some of them can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Specifically, Zacharias Manitaras, a senior official at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), referred to a specific brand of scooter that is purchased by minors, including his own 13-year-old son, as he noted, which can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, emphasizing that the import of such devices should be banned. Furthermore, Mr. Manitaras expressed agreement with the positions taken by representatives of the OEB.
On behalf of the OEB, Alexandros Papadopoulos pointed out that the government bears responsibility for the lack of infrastructure, noting that when the legislation was passed four years ago, the minister at the time assured that the necessary infrastructure was in place. Additionally, he argued that a distinction must be made between devices for private and public use, a point on which Zinonas Santis, representing Bolt—a company that provides rental scooters in Nicosia—agreed, noting that it is the only licensed company offering such services.
The Committee Chair and ELAM Member of Parliament, Sotiris Ioannou, noted that the Committee will await the implementation of the decree and will reconvene to continue the discussion in October. In remarks made after the meeting, he pointed out that regarding the implementation of the decree, municipalities are declaring their inability to do so, and the police are being called upon to respond while already burdened with increased duties, expressing doubts as to whether they will be able to cope. He also raised concerns about who would take responsibility in the event of another accident and expressed readiness for “more drastic measures to address this chaos.”
DISY MP Charalambos Pazaros, in remarks following the session, made it clear that he is not in favor of abolishing or banning the use of such devices and emphasized the need for infrastructure, proper enforcement of the law, and effective oversight. Regarding the decree, he said it is a step in the right direction and expressed readiness for legislative amendments, while also highlighting the need for greater involvement of local authorities.
AKEL MP Valentinos Fakontis spoke about the importance of using these devices as an alternative mode of transportation, but highlighted the problems that arise due to inadequate oversight and difficulties in enforcement. “The lack of adequate infrastructure, the presence of vehicles exceeding the speed limit—in some cases even 60 km/h— reckless parking, as well as riding without the required identification and a protective helmet, create serious safety issues,” he noted, emphasizing that it is essential for the legal framework to be effectively enforced and for public and road safety to be ensured.
ELAM MP Andreas Papacharalambous, argued in his remarks that, since the appropriate infrastructure does not exist—and until it does—the use of such devices should be banned for safety reasons.
DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvides expressed concern in his remarks about the lack of infrastructure, as well as the inability to enforce the law. He raised the issue of a registration system for scooters, as well as controls on the importation of such devices into Cyprus. He also announced that he would introduce a bill establishing parental liability in cases where minors operate such devices, as well as providing for the criminal prosecution of drivers aged 15 and 16.
Alma Movement MP Eirini Charalambidou, expressed the view that banning the use of these devices is not a solution, pointing out that the problem lies with the road network itself and the lack of bike lanes.
The member of the Direct Democracy party, Dimitris Souglis, raised the issue of stricter legislative regulations and more systematic inspections, while also suggesting that the possibility of banning the use of these devices be considered.
Source: CNA
