Car owners will not be compensated for damages after accidents with e-scooters

Car owners in Cyprus are increasingly having to pay for repairs themselves after collisions with electric scooters. The reason is legislative gaps: most personal mobility devices are not insured.

The number of posts about such accidents on social media continues to grow. It is difficult to verify each case, but overall data indicates a systemic issue.

Police note that their powers in such cases are limited: investigations that result in compensation are carried out only in cases of serious injuries or significant damage. If repair costs do not exceed €1,000, the expenses fall on the car owner, even if the scooter rider is proven at fault.

From 2023 to 2024, 3,996 fines were issued for violations related to e-scooters, including 1,592 for riding in prohibited areas and 363 for leaving designated lanes. Police acknowledge that the problem exists in all cities of Cyprus and has already reached alarming levels.

The law regulating the use of e-scooters has not yet been passed by parliament. Green Party MP Stavros Papadouris stated that these vehicles are neither registered nor insured, which makes compensation impossible for victims. He proposed creating a registry with identification numbers and mandatory insurance.

Papadouris also cited the case of a motorcyclist who spent three months in hospital after a collision with an e-scooter, lost his job and received no compensation. According to him, authorities could intervene if they wished, but there are currently no legal tools to do so.

Accidents involving scooters most often occur on seafront promenades and in university areas. Many drivers now try to plan routes and choose parking spots to avoid zones with heavy scooter traffic.