Bucharest City Hall introduces new rules for renting electric scooters

Bucharest City Hall has announced new rules for self-service electric scooters after the regulations were adopted by the General Council of Bucharest Municipality at its meeting on October 27. The measures were introduced amid the high number of incidents and accidents occurring in the city.

Under the new provisions, scooters may be rented only by people aged at least 18. The exception is young people aged 16 or older who hold a driving licence. Operators are required to implement systems to verify users’ ages.

Companies must use GPS to restrict scooter use in the Old Town and other areas designated by the municipality. Use may also be limited in dangerous weather conditions or when the road surface is covered with slush, black ice or ice.

Parking on pavements or in areas that block traffic, access to buildings, STB stops, pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes or green spaces is prohibited. Operators must relocate the scooters within no more than two hours of a request; otherwise, they risk fines of up to 5,000 lei. Operating without authorisation may be sanctioned with fines of up to 10,000 lei and the confiscation of the vehicles.