Greece has passed a law banning under‑17s from using e‑scooters on public roads and imposing significant fines on riders and rental companies. E‑scooters will be banned on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or more, and a compulsory third‑party insurance requirement is now in force. Authorities may remove carelessly parked scooters and will issue fines for helmet, phone and headphone offences. The changes follow a rise in serious injuries among young people and tourists.
Greece Tightens E‑Scooter Rules: Under‑17 Ban, Heavy Fines and Mandatory Insurance
FILE PHOTO - E-scooters on the roadside in Duesseldorf. (is associated with: «Greece cracks down on e-scooter use with fines and under-17 ban») Federico Gambarini/dpa
Greece has adopted a comprehensive new law to curb chaotic and dangerous e‑scooter use on roads and pavements after a series of serious accidents. The measures introduce an age limit, steeper fines, and a compulsory insurance requirement aimed at reducing injuries—particularly among young people and tourists.
Key Changes At A Glance
- Under‑17s banned from using e‑scooters on public roads; €150 fine for riders and up to €1,000 for rental firms that hire to minors.
- E‑scooters prohibited on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or higher; €350 fine for violations.
- Compulsory third‑party liability insurance; €250 fine for riding without proof.
- Stricter rules on parking and safety equipment with fines ranging from €40 to €150.
Details Of The New Rules
Age Limit: The parliament-approved law bars anyone under 17 from using e‑scooters on public roads. Individual underage riders face a €150 penalty, while rental companies that provide scooters to under‑17s can be fined up to €1,000.
Road Restrictions: E‑scooters are now forbidden on roads where the posted speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour or higher. Riders caught on such roads face a €350 fine. The measure aims to separate slower micro‑mobility vehicles from faster motor traffic.
Insurance And Identification: A mandatory third‑party liability insurance requirement has been introduced. Riding without proof of insurance carries a €250 fine. Riders must be able to present valid insurance documentation and a form of identification at all times when using an e‑scooter.
Parking And Behavioural Offences: Authorities will no longer tolerate scooters left obstructing pavements or pedestrian crossings; offending devices may be removed and owners fined €40–€80. Fines of €40–€150 apply for failing to wear a helmet, using a mobile phone while riding, or wearing headphones.
Officials say the stricter rules respond to a sharp rise in scooter-related injuries seen in hospitals, particularly among untrained young riders and visiting tourists.
Why The Change?
Health professionals reported increasing numbers of serious injuries linked to e‑scooter crashes. Government officials argue many young riders lack road training and often underestimate the risks, treating scooters like toys or video‑game vehicles rather than roadworthy transportation.
Enforcement and next steps: The new law empowers authorities to remove improperly parked scooters and issue on-the-spot fines. Rental operators will need to improve age verification and insurance checks to avoid penalties. The measures are intended to make streets safer for pedestrians and other road users while keeping micro‑mobility options viable when used responsibly.
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