Given the increasing number of electric scooters circulating on public roads, as well as, unfortunately, the rising number of accidents involving such vehicles, a need to establish the legal framework regarding the obligations of electric scooter owners and their circulation on public roads became mandatory. According to the draft law amending Government Emergency Ordinance no. 195/2002 regarding traffic on public roads, the most important provisions that electric scooter owners and riders must take into account are the following:
– the rider must be at least 16 years old;
– in case of renting electric scooters in a self-service system, a questionnaire with 5 questions regarding traffic regulations must be completed when making the payment through the application;
– scooters must be equipped with lighting and reflective-fluorescent devices;
– protective helmets become mandatory for riders traveling on the roadway, except for riders of rented scooters;
– electric scooters must have mandatory third-party liability insurance to cover damages caused to third parties.
In terms of legislative status, the project is currently at the Chamber of Deputies and is likely to be adopted in early 2024.
