Chaos in Greece as new rules introduced on city streets

Electric scooters could face new restrictions in Athens as the city's local authority looks to bring forward new rules on the environmentally-friendly mode of transport. Speed limits and designated parking areas for the scooters could be introduced as part of proposed regulations expected later this month.

Local reports say it comes amid growing concerns over safety and chaotic street conditions in the Greek capital which is estimated to welcome seven million tourists every year. The regulations over "personal electric vehicles" would be the first introduced by the Athens Municipality, it is said. Athens, Greece's biggest city, has a population of around 3.2 million people and is reportedly home to around 4,000 shared scooters.

Many cities across Europe and the world have e-scooter rental schemes which typically offer a more cost-effective and greener alternative to other transport options.

According to Greek newspaper Kathimerini, there are plans for 124 parking zones in Athens, comprising around 1,714 spaces for which providers would pay fees.

Deputy Mayor Maro Evangelidou said rules "set by legislation and traffic codes were not sufficient".

There is currently a maximum speed limit of 6 kilometres per hour (around 3.7 mph) on pavements for riders over the age of 12 and 25 kilometres per hour (around 15.5 mph) on roads for those aged 16 and over, with helmets, Kathimerini reports.

The outlet adds that serious micromobility injuries, across EU-15 nations, increased by around 35% from 3,799 in 2021 to 5,377 in 2022, citing European Transport Safety Council data.

Athens is home to Greece's most visited site, the Acropolis, which overlooks the city and welcomes up to 20,000 people every day.

In 2024, Greece collected an eye-watering record total of 21.7 billion euros (£18.9 billion) in tourism revenues, up from 20.6 billion (£18 billion) in 2023.

Tourism accounts for over a quarter of Greece's economic output.

However, locals in the country - like many other nations across the Mediterranean - have shared concerns over mass and overtourism.