Greece plans ban on electric scooter use by minors
Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis announced Friday that the government is preparing stricter regulations on electric scooters, including a total ban on their use by minors.
Speaking to SKAI TV, Chrisochoidis described the growing presence of electric scooters in Greek cities as a “complex and difficult” issue requiring immediate intervention for safety reasons.
“Handling the issue of scooters is particular and difficult. It is an environmentally friendly means of transport, and we must find a way for them to operate safely,” he said.
The minister said the first planned measure would be a complete prohibition on scooter use by minors.
He also called for mandatory insurance coverage for electric scooters, citing the growing number of accidents and concerns over compensation in the event of collisions.
“Accidents are multiplying. Mandatory insurance is needed,” he said.
Chrisochoidis further criticized the widespread practice of leaving scooters abandoned on sidewalks and public streets, saying it obstructs pedestrian movement and creates safety hazards.
“This phenomenon of leaving them abandoned on sidewalks, preventing people from moving freely, with hundreds of scooters on central streets, must come to an end,” he added.
According to the minister, the government is expected to introduce the new regulatory framework in the near future. Municipalities will also be tasked with overseeing scooter parking and, where necessary, limiting the number of scooters operating in urban areas.
“These issues will be regulated very quickly, and municipalities must also take measures regarding parking and, if necessary, limit the number of scooters,” he said.
