E-Scooters in Athens: Where Riding and Parking Will Be Banned

The Municipality of Athens is moving to regulate the use of electric scooters and other light personal electric vehicles (LPEVs) in the city. A comprehensive set of rules on circulation and parking is open for public consultation from October 24 to November 4, 2025.

The regulations set terms and conditions for both riders and rental companies “to ensure maximum safety for pedestrians and riders and to maintain unobstructed use of public spaces by all citizens,” according to the municipality.

WHICH VEHICLES ARE COVERED BY THE REGULATIONS?

Light personal electric vehicles include the following electrically powered devices:

• E-scooters
• Electric rollers
• Electric skateboards
• Self-balancing personal vehicles (electric unicycles or two-wheeled dual-track vehicles)
• Other LPEVs outside these categories, including electric wheelchairs (enhanced and standard), scooters, and handbikes for people with disabilities

WHERE E-SCOOTERS WILL BE BANNED

Alongside existing traffic code provisions, the Athens municipal regulation will prohibit e-scooters from circulating on sidewalks, where users must carry them on foot. People with disabilities using LPEVs are exempt from this rule.

Movement on all pedestrian streets, public spaces, and squares will be allowed only at pedestrian speed, with a maximum limit of 6 km/h.

Complete Ban Areas

A major change in the Athens regulation is the ban on entry, circulation, and parking of e-scooters in:

• Hills and groves
• Ermou Street (pedestrian zone)
• Aiolou Street (pedestrian zone)

People with disabilities using LPEVs are exempt from these bans.

According to the regulation, the prohibition is imposed “to protect pedestrian movement, prevent accidents, safeguard archaeological and cultural heritage, and ensure the smooth functioning of the city of Athens.”

Special Speed Zones (6 km/h limit)

Two areas are designated as special speed zones where e-scooters must not exceed 6 km/h (excluding LPEVs for people with disabilities). These zones will be clearly marked.

PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RENTAL COMPANIES

The Municipality of Athens is designating mass parking zones for e-scooter and LPEV rental companies. They are divided into three categories with corresponding annual fees per parking space:

• Category 1: €60 per parking space per year
• Category 2: €80 per parking space per year
• Category 3: €120 per parking space per year

Rental companies must ensure their vehicles are parked only within designated zones.

WHAT THE TRAFFIC CODE SAYS ABOUT E-SCOOTERS

In addition to municipal rules, Greek traffic code provisions apply to e-scooter use in Athens.

Speed and Road Restrictions

• Maximum speed limit: 25 km/h
• Prohibited on roads where the maximum vehicle speed limit exceeds 50 km/h

Prohibited Actions (€30 fine each)

E-scooter riders are prohibited from:

• Being towed by another vehicle
• Towing or pushing objects (exception: bicycle riders)
• Carrying objects that hinder driving or endanger other road users
• Riding two or more abreast
• Leading animals on a leash
• Using headphones connected to portable radios or similar audio devices while riding
• Using mobile phones or telecommunications devices not mounted in a special holder while riding
• Using the rest of the roadway on roads with dedicated bicycle or moped lanes

Mandatory Requirements

E-scooter riders must:

• Keep both hands on the handlebars (if present) while riding, except when signaling
• Dismount and walk when they create an obstacle or danger to pedestrian traffic
• Wear reflective clothing or equipment at night
• Be at least 12 years old for vehicles with maximum design speed not exceeding 6 km/h
• Be at least 15 years old for vehicles with maximum design speed exceeding 6 km/h but not exceeding 25 km/h
• Wear an approved protective helmet, properly fastened (excluding riders with disabilities using LPEVs)
• Use the right lane on roads with two or more traffic lanes (mandatory)

WHERE PARKING IS PROHIBITED

According to the traffic code, e-scooter parking is prohibited:

• On pedestrian or bicycle crossings and within 5 meters of them
• Within 12 meters of bus and tram stops
• At junction entrances and exits, and within 10 meters of the imaginary extension of the nearest boundary line of the perpendicular roadway
• On or very close to railway or tram tracks, obstructing vehicle movement
• Within 20 meters of traffic lights and 12 meters from STOP signs or yield signs, and in positions where the vehicle hides traffic signs and signals from road users
• On and under bridges and in tunnels, unless there are specially designated parking areas
• On safety islands and dividing islands
• On motorways and expressways, except in parking areas indicated by signage
• In acceleration and deceleration lanes
• On disability ramps or tactile paving for the blind
• In special parking spaces for vehicles of people with disabilities
• Within 7 meters before and after level railway crossings
• In front of entrances and exits designated for patient movement to and from hospitals, clinics, and first aid stations
• In special taxi parking areas
• At pedestrian street entrances and exits
• In special parking areas and departure points for intercity and tourist buses
• In port zones and land zones used for embarkation/disembarkation and loading/unloading on ships and boats
• On sidewalks when a 1.5-meter-wide free passage is not ensured
• Within 20 meters of archaeological site entrances (exception: vehicles and drivers with disabilities)

CONSULTATION PERIOD AND NEXT STEPS

The public consultation period runs from October 24 to November 4, 2025. Citizens can submit comments and suggestions via the municipality’s consultation platform.

Once the consultation period ends, the municipality will review feedback and finalize the regulations before official implementation.

KEY INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I ride my e-scooter on the sidewalk?

No. You must carry your e-scooter on foot while on sidewalks. Only people with disabilities using LPEVs are exempt.

What happens if I violate these rules?

Violations of traffic code provisions carry a €30 fine per offense. Municipal regulation violations may involve additional penalties once implemented.

Do these rules apply to privately owned e-scooters?

Yes. The regulations apply to all light personal electric vehicles, whether privately owned or rented.

Where can I park my e-scooter?

You can park where it does not obstruct pedestrian traffic (minimum 1.5m clearance on sidewalks) and outside the prohibited zones listed above. Rental scooters must use designated parking zones.

Can I ride in bike lanes?

Yes, when bike lanes are available, you must use them and may not use the rest of the roadway.

Do I really need to wear a helmet?

Yes. Wearing an approved protective helmet, properly fastened, is mandatory according to the Greek traffic code.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Municipality of Athens
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???? Website: cityofathens.gr
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Public Consultation Platform
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WHY THESE REGULATIONS MATTER

E-scooters have become increasingly popular in Athens as a convenient, eco-friendly transportation option. But their rapid growth has created safety concerns and conflicts between riders, pedestrians, and other road users.

The new regulations aim to:

• Protect pedestrian safety, especially in crowded historic areas
• Preserve archaeological and cultural heritage sites
• Reduce accidents involving e-scooters
• Ensure sidewalks remain accessible for people with disabilities
• Create organized parking systems to prevent sidewalk clutter
• Establish clear rules that both riders and rental companies must follow

By participating in the public consultation, Athens residents can help shape these regulations so they balance the benefits of micro-mobility with public safety and urban livability.

Source: https://www.dnews.gr/eidhseis/ellada/553483/ilektrika-patinia-stin-athina-poy-tha-apagoreyetai-i-kykloforia-kai-i-stathmefsi