Greek government enforces ban on ATVs on islands and strict new rules for electric scooters

Minister proposes sweeping road safety reforms with speed limits, mandatory insurance and stricter controls.

The Greek government is preparing major changes to road safety laws, with Michalis Chrysochoidis announcing strict new regulations for electric scooters and calling for the complete abolition of ATVs — commonly known in Greece as “γουρούνες” (“pigs”) — on the islands.

Speaking to ERTnews, the Minister of Citizen Protection unveiled a new legislative framework aimed at improving safety in cities and tourist destinations, particularly ahead of the busy summer season.

Under the proposed measures, electric scooters will face mandatory speed limiters, insurance requirements, special identification markings and registration numbers. Municipalities will also gain the authority to set a maximum number of scooters allowed in specific areas in an effort to curb overcrowding and unsafe use.

Chrysochoidis also announced a complete ban on electric scooter use by minors.

“We cannot continue seeing children injured every day,” the minister said, warning that uncontrolled scooter use poses risks to both riders and pedestrians.

The proposed legislation would prohibit scooters from operating on major roads and highways, while all vehicles would be required to carry mandatory insurance and safety equipment.

“ATVs must disappear from the islands”

The minister also took aim at ATVs used heavily on Greek islands during the tourist season, describing the vehicles as “extremely dangerous.”

“A complete abolition of these vehicles on the islands is necessary,” Chrysochoidis said, stressing that no tourist should be allowed to rent a motorbike or ATV without both a helmet and a valid driver’s licence.

The comments come amid ongoing concerns over rising road accidents in popular holiday destinations during the summer months.

New Athens traffic management plan

Chrysochoidis also outlined the government’s new “Kovos” traffic management plan for Athens, which will deploy around 150 police officers, drones and real-time monitoring systems to improve congestion across the capital.

He acknowledged that traffic on Kifissos Avenue remains one of the city’s biggest challenges, while also pledging tougher enforcement against illegal parking in central Athens.

“The situation where one illegally parked car blocks thousands of citizens is unacceptable,” he said.

University security and crime crackdown

Addressing recent clashes during student elections, the minister described the incidents as isolated but reiterated the need for controlled access and stronger security measures at universities.

“There is no need for university police. What universities need is security,” he said, adding that campuses such as the National Technical University of Athens now operate with cameras and upgraded safety systems.

On crime and policing in Roma settlements, Chrysochoidis said authorities are carrying out daily operations targeting weapons, drugs and electricity theft.

“We will not allow these areas to remain pockets of crime,” he said, warning that repeat felony offenders would face prison under new legislation.

WT

GCT (Michalis Chrysochoidis Pushes ATV Ban on Islands, Tough New Rules for E-Scooters)