Athens, November 3 – The opposition municipal faction “Athens Psila,” led by former mayor Kostas Bakogianni, has issued a strong call for the Athens Municipality to address the ongoing chaos caused by electric scooters in the city. The faction pointed to Thessaloniki as a model for effective regulation and enforcement.
Thessaloniki Sets the Example
According to the statement released by the “Athens Psila” faction on Monday morning, Greece’s second-largest city has taken decisive action on an issue that Athens has been delaying since spring: intensive inspections of electric scooters, designated parking points, and penalties for misuse.
“The co-capital has moved forward decisively on an issue that Athens, despite announcements since spring, continues to delay: intensive controls on electric scooters, designated parking points, fines for abuse. In Athens, many big words but zero results,” the faction stated.
Demand for Immediate Regulatory Action
The opposition faction is calling on the Athens Municipality to issue a regulatory decision immediately, similar to the one implemented by the Municipality of Thessaloniki. The statement outlined clear expectations for all parties involved in the e-scooter ecosystem.
“Just as the Municipality of Thessaloniki has done, the Municipality of Athens should issue a regulatory decision now. Companies must cooperate, otherwise they should face the consequences. Users must respect public space, otherwise they should face fines. And the city, the municipal authority, simply needs to enforce the rules,” the faction declared.
Companies and Users Must Comply
The “Athens Psila” faction emphasized that e-scooter rental companies operating in Athens have a responsibility to work with municipal authorities to establish order. Those that fail to cooperate should face sanctions, according to the statement.
Similarly, users who leave scooters scattered across sidewalks, blocking pedestrian traffic and creating hazards for people with disabilities and the elderly, should be subject to financial penalties.
“No More Scooters Thrown Anywhere”
In a strongly worded conclusion, the faction demanded an end to what it described as municipal indifference to the problem that has plagued Athens for months.
“No more scooters thrown anywhere. No more indifference. Micro-mobility is an opportunity, not chaos,” the statement read.
The issue of electric scooters has become increasingly contentious in Athens, with residents and disability rights advocates complaining about scooters blocking sidewalks, building entrances, and accessibility ramps. Despite repeated promises from the current municipal administration to address the problem, concrete action has been limited.
Spring Announcements, Autumn Delays
The “Athens Psila” faction specifically referenced announcements made by the Athens Municipality in spring 2025 regarding plans to regulate e-scooter use. However, according to the opposition, these plans have not materialized into tangible results.
While the current municipal administration has not yet responded to Monday’s statement, the issue is expected to be raised at upcoming city council meetings.
Micro-Mobility as Opportunity or Problem
The faction’s statement acknowledged that electric scooters and other forms of micro-mobility represent a legitimate transportation option and environmental benefit for urban areas. However, without proper regulation and enforcement, the benefits are overshadowed by the disruption they cause to public space.
“Micro-mobility is an opportunity, not chaos,” the faction repeated, suggesting that with proper management, e-scooters could be integrated into Athens’ transportation ecosystem without creating the current problems.
The call for action comes as cities across Europe grapple with similar challenges related to shared electric scooters. Paris, for example, banned rental e-scooters entirely in 2023 following a referendum, while other cities like Madrid and Barcelona have implemented strict licensing systems and designated parking zones.
Whether Athens will follow Thessaloniki’s example or chart its own course remains to be seen. For now, the opposition has made clear that it views the current situation as unacceptable and is demanding immediate action from the municipal authorities.
Source: https://www.athensvoice.gr/life/life-in-athens/931170/i-parataxi-bakogianni-gia-ta-patinia-stin-athina-ohi-allo-patini-petameno-opou-na-nai-ohi-alli-adiaforia/
