New regulations on the use of e-scooters now in force

New legislation regulating the use of e-scooters came into force on Tuesday, raising the minimum age for riders to 17 and introducing stricter safety rules.

Police said the amendments, which apply to “personal mobility devices” including e-scooters, were published in the official gazette last month.

Under the new framework, only individuals aged 17 and over are permitted to ride e-scooters. The minimum age was increased from 14 following growing concerns over road safety and a series of accidents involving younger riders.

The updated legislation also grants authorities wider powers to confiscate e-scooters when violations are detected.

New provisions set out where scooters may be used, establish technical standards for the devices, and introduce regulations for companies operating scooter rental services.
Police said the changes are intended to improve public safety and strengthen enforcement of existing laws.

The amendments follow months of parliamentary debate over whether e-scooters should face tighter regulation or be banned entirely from public spaces. Last month, MPs rejected proposals for a total ban and instead voted in favour of stricter controls.

The legislation also introduces penalties for adults who allow underage individuals to use e-scooters, as well as for riders carrying passengers below the legal age.

Additional measures approved by parliament require scooters to comply with European safety standards and display the appropriate certification markings.

Police and other authorised authorities are now empowered to temporarily seize scooters involved in breaches of the law.
The revised rules also raise the speed threshold for penalties from 20km/h to 25km/h.