The Municipality of Athens is implementing a comprehensive traffic and parking regulation for Light Personal Electric Vehicles (LPEVs). The goal is to improve urban mobility, enhance road safety, and protect public spaces. The new regulation was approved during the 33rd Regular Session of the City Council.
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated: “We are freeing up public space and putting order into the chaos caused by scooters. We promote micromobility in the city, but with clear rules in every Municipal Community. With the new regulation, LPEVs are prohibited on sidewalks, around the Acropolis, and on Ermou and Aiolou streets. We also set speed limits and create 1,574 parking spaces for rental scooters in 124 mass-parking zones. We are actively protecting accessibility for all citizens.”
The Deputy Mayor for Urban Regeneration and Resilience, Maro Evangelidou, noted: “The new regulation is the result of systematic work by the Municipality’s staff, who worked for months to create a framework of rules and better organization of public space. We believe micromobility is part of the solution to Athens’ traffic problems, which is why we promote a coherent policy aimed at a city that functions better for everyone and gives hope for the future.”
The Deputy Mayor for Municipal Police and Public Spaces, Thomas Georgiadis, added: “The Municipal Police will implement the regulation through intensive inspections. With physical presence, digital tools, and collaboration with municipal services, we can monitor LPEVs in real time and intervene when necessary. This creates a stable framework for rule compliance, respecting pedestrians and the smooth operation of the city.”
What Changes for LPEVs in Athens
The new rules aim to address irregular parking and unsafe use of LPEVs. The regulatory framework in Athens is as follows:
1. Circulation:
The circulation of LPEVs falls under the Road Traffic Code with specialized provisions defining allowed and prohibited areas:
Full ban on circulation and parking around the Acropolis in the historic center, in public gardens, and on Ermou and Aiolou pedestrian streets.
Speed limit of 6 km/h (fast walking pace) in Psirri, Kerameikos pedestrian street, and all pedestrian areas and shared public spaces.
Movement on sidewalks is prohibited; riders must walk alongside the vehicle.
LPEVs cannot operate on streets with speed limits over 50 km/h or other areas designated by the Municipality.
Rental companies are recommended to use their software for vehicle tracking and speed limiters.
2. Parking:
For citizens, parking must leave a 1.5-meter corridor for pedestrians. Parking is prohibited on ramps, crossings, building entrances, critical access points, and within 20 meters of archaeological sites.
For rental companies, parking in public areas is allowed only in 124 mass-parking zones designated by the Municipality, totaling 1,574 spaces. Each space measures 1.3 m ? 0.4 m. Distribution per Municipal Community:
1st Community: 516 spaces, €120/year per space
2nd Community: 178 spaces, €120/year
3rd Community: 134 spaces, €80/year
4th Community: 168 spaces, €60/year
5th Community: 214 spaces, €60/year
6th Community: 148 spaces, €80/year
7th Community: 216 spaces, €80/year
3. Parking Licensing for Companies:
Rental companies must submit applications according to the law and regulation. Parking spaces are allocated based on safeguards to prevent competition distortions. Each company may claim a maximum number of spaces per zone. Final layout and marking of spaces is done under the Municipality’s supervision.
4. Penalties and Enforcement:
The regulation includes a clear framework for sanctions and inspections. Traffic code rules apply for violations. Illegally parked vehicles can be removed, and rental parking licenses can be revoked. All LPEVs must have a unique serial number and be registered in a special registry. Fleet monitoring will occur in real time via software in cooperation with DAEM S.A. LPEV speed and restricted-zone compliance will be enforced by the Municipal Police and relevant authorities. Illegal parking removals will be coordinated with fines based on serial numbers.
The new regulation organizes LPEV use and parking, ensuring fair allocation of public space and harmonious coexistence of all transport modes. Its implementation will include signage, dedicated parking spaces, digital tracking of positions and fees via a special platform, and an informational campaign for users and rental companies to ensure a smooth transition.
With this step, the Municipality of Athens integrates micromobility into daily city life, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and respect for public space.
