Greece to Ban E-Scooter Use for Under-17s, Require Mandatory Insurance

Greek lawmakers will vote Tuesday on legislation banning electric scooter use for anyone under 17 and requiring mandatory insurance for all riders, Deputy Transport Minister Giorgos Kotsiras announced.

Speaking on SKAI's "Ataïristoi" program, Mr. Kotsiras outlined four key measures: a ban on scooter

"Protecting physical safety is a priority," he said.

The ministry is also creating a national registry of electric scooters under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to make it easier to identify a vehicle's owner and user.

"We now have a more complete legislative framework, especially for our minor citizens, to protect their physical safety and send the message that protecting human life is an absolute priority," Mr. Kotsiras said.

He said the provisions are being fast-tracked independently of broader planned revisions to Greece's Road Traffic Code.

"We have other interventions planned for the Road Traffic Code, but we prioritized these provisions on electric scooters because we judged that protecting minors could not wait any longer," he said, adding that the goal is for the stricter framework to take effect before the end of summer.

Existing requirements for all scooter riders remain in place, including mandatory helmet use and a ban on using mobile phones or headphones while riding, with insurance now added as a new requirement.

"The conditions will be the same for everyone: helmet, no phone or headphone use, an insurance policy, and age limits where applicable. Fines will vary based on the violation," Mr. Kotsiras said.

He placed particular emphasis on tougher penalties for scooter use on roads where such vehicles are prohibited, including those with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h.

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Greek lawmakers will vote Tuesday on legislation banning electric scooter use for anyone under 17 and requiring mandatory insurance for all riders, Deputy Transport Minister Giorgos Kotsiras announced.

Speaking on SKAI's "Ataïristoi" program, Mr. Kotsiras outlined four key measures: a ban on scooter use for those under 17; mandatory insurance for all riders; stricter penalties for scooters operating on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h; and a ban on companies selling or renting scooters to minors under 17.

"Protecting physical safety is a priority," he said.

The ministry is also creating a national registry of electric scooters under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to make it easier to identify a vehicle's owner and user.

"We now have a more complete legislative framework, especially for our minor citizens, to protect their physical safety and send the message that protecting human life is an absolute priority," Mr. Kotsiras said.

He said the provisions are being fast-tracked independently of broader planned revisions to Greece's Road Traffic Code.

"We have other interventions planned for the Road Traffic Code, but we prioritized these provisions on electric scooters because we judged that protecting minors could not wait any longer," he said, adding that the goal is for the stricter framework to take effect before the end of summer.

Existing requirements for all scooter riders remain in place, including mandatory helmet use and a ban on using mobile phones or headphones while riding, with insurance now added as a new requirement.

"The conditions will be the same for everyone: helmet, no phone or headphone use, an insurance policy, and age limits where applicable. Fines will vary based on the violation," Mr. Kotsiras said.

He placed particular emphasis on tougher penalties for scooter use on roads where such vehicles are prohibited, including those with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h.

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