End of the Road for Minors on E-Scooters: Kyranakis’s Legislative Shift and the Reality of Greek Urban Safety

The sight of a teenager weaving through gridlocked traffic, helmetless and immersed in music through noise-canceling headphones, has become a ubiquitous tableau in Greek urban centers. Yet, this "digitalized" perception of reality—where road safety is treated like a level in a video game—is about to hit a legislative wall. Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Konstantinos Kyranakis, has signaled a major policy shift: a total ban on minors operating electric scooters (e-scooters) on public roads.

The 'Video Game' Metaphor and Road Realities

According to Mr. Kyranakis, the core of the issue lies in the psychological approach of younger riders. The ease of use and the sense of frictionless mobility offered by e-scooters lead many minors to underestimate the inherent dangers of the asphalt. "They treat driving a scooter almost like a video game," he remarked, emphasizing that a lack of traffic education combined with speeds reaching 25 km/h creates a volatile situation. The government appears to have concluded that the cognitive maturity required to navigate heavy urban traffic is not sufficiently present in those under 18.

While statistics on e-scooter accidents are often underreported due to the informal nature of many incidents, the trend is undeniably upward. Head injuries and limb fractures are the most common outcomes of falls, which, in the case of minors, often stem from an inability to anticipate road hazards like potholes, oil slicks, or the unpredictable maneuvers of larger vehicles. By framing the issue as a psychological disconnect, the ministry is moving to close a loophole that has seen children as young as 12 navigating high-speed arteries.

From Regulation to Total Prohibition

Until now, Greece's Law 4784/2021 allowed e-scooter use for those over 15, or even 12 if accompanied by an adult. However, enforcement has proven to be a logistical nightmare. Traffic police cannot feasibly stop every rider to verify their age, and rental companies, despite in-app restrictions, have struggled to prevent minors from using parental accounts. The proposed ban aims to cut through this complexity with a binary rule: if you are a minor, you are not allowed on the road with a scooter.

This tightening of the belt is not an isolated Greek phenomenon. Across Europe, the initial enthusiasm for micromobility is being tempered by the harsh realities of urban safety. Paris recently implemented a total ban on rental e-scooters following a public referendum, and cities like London and Berlin are imposing stricter age limits and mandatory helmet laws. Greece is now aligning itself with this more cautious, safety-first approach, prioritizing the physical integrity of its youth over the convenience of unregulated mobility.

The Infrastructure Gap and Political Responsibility

However, a ban is a blunt instrument that addresses the symptom rather than the disease. Critics argue that focusing solely on the "immaturity" of minors diverts attention from the systemic failure of Greek urban planning: the lack of dedicated infrastructure. In Athens and Thessaloniki, e-scooters are forced to share lanes with buses and cars because bike lanes are virtually non-existent. When a teenager rides a scooter on a major road, the danger arises not just from their lack of experience, but from an environment designed exclusively for four-wheeled internal combustion vehicles.

• The absence of segregated lanes increases the probability of fatal collisions.
• Poor road maintenance is particularly hazardous for the small wheels of e-scooters.
• A prevailing driving culture that often disregards the rights of more vulnerable road users.

The government's strategy, as outlined by Kyranakis, involves a two-pronged approach. While the ban serves as an immediate deterrent, the Ministry is also pushing for digital identification. By integrating the Gov.gr Wallet with rental platforms, users will soon be required to verify their age digitally before unlocking a vehicle. This technological hurdle is expected to significantly reduce the presence of underage riders on shared scooters.

The Broader Societal Impact

Beyond the legalities, this issue touches on parental responsibility and the changing nature of urban life. Many parents view e-scooters as toys rather than vehicles, a misconception the government is keen to correct. The transition to sustainable mobility requires a shift in mindset, not just the adoption of new gadgets. If Greek cities are to become truly livable, a balance must be found between safety and the promotion of green alternatives.

The ban for minors may be a necessary "emergency brake" to prevent a further surge in injuries, but the ultimate challenge remains. Prohibiting youth from using scooters on roads is a temporary fix; the long-term solution lies in redesigning our cities so that everyone—regardless of age or mode of transport—can move without fear. For now, the message is clear: the road is not a playground, and the "game" has very real consequences.