Electric scooters and their reckless use on Cypriot roads have become a major headache for both the authorities and citizens. The decree currently being drafted to address specific violations and combat the problem calls for the impoundment of electric scooters for 30 to 90 days. The draft decree has been prepared, and the Department of Public Works announced a few days ago the launch of a public consultation via the “e-Consultation,” which will run until September 26, during which time interested parties may submit their comments. Once the consultation is complete, the text will be sent to the Legal Service for the required legal review, he added. For its part, the Municipality of Nicosia is moving forward with the creation of more than 100 parking spaces for scooters and the expansion of 30 km/h zones.
According to statements made by Haris Evripidou, Director of the Traffic Police Headquarters, on the Alpha Kalimera program, the reckless use of electric scooters is one of the main causes of serious or fatal traffic accidents, and we must find ways and measures to address this issue.
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“During the debate on the amendments to the decree in Parliament, we made it very clear that, whether we like it or not, they are part of our lives. Arrangements must be made regarding where they are required to operate. We must ensure that, especially local authorities, to find ways to get these vehicles on the road, or rather to provide them with a clearer path for where they will travel, because they’re currently using bike lanes. Where the bike lane ends, where will they go? Guidelines have been issued by the Public Works Department and the Ministry of Transportation stating that there are 30-kilometer zones that can be developed to assist you; you should implement them. Where space can be allocated for scooters—since we see that there are far more of them than pedestrians—there must also be provisions in the law regarding how they will operate.”
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“We won’t make any headway unless the infrastructure is completed,” Mr. Evripidou emphasizes, adding that this is something that must be done immediately, as it has already been under discussion for more than two years.
“In order to finally get things sorted out and bring some order, we must give every lawful user the opportunity to have the space they need to move about. Most of the people who use them are foreign nationals; we’re providing information in English so that people know what they need to do and where they’re allowed to ride.”
As for the use of electric scooters by people under the age of 17—which is prohibited—Mr. Evripidou emphasizes that the issue starts with the parents.
“I can’t imagine a parent or grandparent going out and buying a scooter the way we buy motorcycles. We see 12- and 13-year-olds doing wheelies on their scooters. So if we don’t want to see injuries among those under 17, we as parents must first protect our children.”
READ ALSO: Law on e-scooter use is changing: The new rules and age limit
ELAM MP and Chairman of the Transport Committee, Sotiris Ioannou, as well as AKEL MP and Committee member Ephraim Christou.
