Electric scooters – New regulations for the municipality of Athens

The landscape of electric scooter use in Athens is changing, as new regulations setting specific traffic and parking rules are now being implemented. The regulations were developed following a public consultation that was completed in the summer, during which the City of Athens working group recorded suggestions and comments from citizens and organizations.

The new regulation aims to improve road safety, protect pedestrians, and restore order in public spaces, according to a statement by Maros Evangelidou, Deputy Mayor for Urban Regeneration and Resilience.

The provisions of the Highway Code are reinstated and reinforced

As Ms. Evangelidou stated in an interview with ERT, the Municipality has approved a regulatory decision that "updates and supplements" the Highway Code. The new regulation sets speed limits, requires the use of helmets, and imposes clear prohibitions, such as riding electric scooters on pedestrian walkways or sidewalks.

Where the use of electric scooters is prohibited

The use of electric scooters is strictly prohibited on sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, parks, and gardens. At the same time, they are not allowed on roads where the speed limit exceeds 50 km/h — including Syngrou Avenue, the National Road, and Kifissos Avenue.

In historic and tourist areas such as Plaka and Psyrri, they may only be used at walking speed. However, on certain pedestrian streets—such as Ermou and Aeolou—their use remains prohibited.

Furthermore, electric scooters are not permitted at all in green areas such as Lycabettus Hill, Strefis Park, and the National Garden.

On the contrary, Pedion tou Areos is exempt from the regulations, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Region of Attica, as clarified by the deputy mayor.

New framework for parking and control

The Municipality of Athens now specifies specific mass parking locations where rental companies will be required to place their scooters every morning.

In cases where users leave their scooters in unauthorized areas—such as ramps for people with disabilities or blind zones—the municipality will intervene immediately, removing the vehicles in accordance with waste collection legislation.

"The first interventions have already been made in cases of antisocial behavior, such as abandoning skateboards at critical access points," Ms. Evangelidou emphasized.

Corporate responsibilities and new compliance mechanism

The responsibility for violations lies with the rental companies, as the municipality does not have access to user data. However, companies have the option of passing on the fine to their customers, provided that this is stipulated in their terms of use.

To improve compliance, a new charging mechanism will be activated: if the user does not return the scooter to an approved parking spot, the charge will continue until it is left in the correct spot.

Technological equipment and safety

The municipality is asking companies to equip scooters with GPS tracking chips and speed limiters to ensure control of use and public safety.

"We rely on companies to implement these measures, as technology allows and legislation requires," said the deputy mayor.

Objective: Safe travel and balance in public spaces

With the new regulation, the Municipality of Athens seeks to establish clear rules for all users of public space, balancing the need for innovative, micro-mobility solutions with the protection of pedestrians and the smooth functioning of the city.