Traffic accidents involving electric scooters are increasingly on the rise, according to European Union data. Specifically, recent traffic incidents in our country involving minor users and serious injuries highlight a worrying trend that is confirmed not only in Greece but also at the European level.
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Electric scooters: Rising traffic accidents – What the data shows
According to EU statistics, deaths related to the use of electric scooters and light personal electric vehicles increased from 61 in 2021 to 92 in 2022, with over 80% resulting from collisions with heavier vehicles. This development clearly demonstrates that micromobility, while being a sustainable and flexible urban transportation solution, operates within a high-risk road environment, particularly for vulnerable road users.
What’s regulated in Greece
In Greece, the current regulatory framework through the Highway Code establishes clear rules for using these vehicles, including a speed limit of 25 km/h, road network usage by individuals aged 15 and above, prohibition of sidewalk riding, and mandatory lighting and reflective elements. Helmet use constitutes a critical prerequisite for user protection and is strongly recommended for everyone.
In this direction, the Road Safety Institute “Panos Mylonas” has recently made protecting human life on the road its top priority while simultaneously raising awareness about integrating micromobility into the modern road environment. It emphasizes that scooter use is not simply an alternative form of transportation, but entails full integration into the road system, with rights but also responsibilities. Riders must follow rules, protect themselves, and respect all road users.
The Panhellenic Association of Driving Instructors and Traffic Education has also taken a stance on this issue, providing free specialized lessons to electric scooter users. This initiative aims to drastically reduce traffic accidents, cultivate responsible driving behavior, create a new culture of coexistence among all road network users, and enhance knowledge and confidence among micromobility vehicle operators. Thus, in an environment where the coexistence of different vehicles is often chaotic and dangerous, proper education remains the only effective accident prevention tool.
