Starting Monday, Albania will launch a nationwide police operation to temporarily ban electric scooters, following a sharp rise in accidents and safety concerns across major cities. The initiative, announced by Interior Minister Albana Koçiu and State Police Director Ilir Proda, marks a major shift in Albania’s urban transport policy.
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| Mayor Erion Veliaj skateboarding in Tirana at "Skenderbej" Square near the bust, wearing a white shirt, March, 2023 |
The decision comes after alarming statistics revealed 991 reported emergency cases involving electric scooter accidents in recent months. These figures, officials say, demonstrate an urgent need to reassess how e-scooters operate on public roads and how citizens can use them safely.
Government Declares "STOP ELECTRIC SCOOTERS" Initiative
Prime Minister Edi Rama made the announcement public through his social media channels, writing:
“STOP ELECTRIC SCOOTERS – New Rules for Public Safety.
991 emergency cases are more than enough to stop this dangerous trend in our city traffic until a strict regulation is drafted based on the best international practices.”
This message sets the tone for what the government describes as a temporary but necessary suspension, aimed at preventing further accidents and injuries. According to the statement, the suspension will remain in effect until a comprehensive regulation is finalized, defining where, when, and how e-scooters can be used.
Why the Temporary Ban Was Deemed Necessary
Electric scooters, or monopatina elektrike as they are called in Albanian, became extremely popular over the past two years, particularly in Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë, where short-distance travel and congested streets made them a convenient choice.
However, poor infrastructure, lack of dedicated lanes, and absence of helmet regulations have contributed to a significant rise in accidents. Many incidents involve young riders under 18, often using scooters at night or without lights, creating hazards both for themselves and pedestrians.
Police reports suggest that most of these accidents were caused by speeding, poor visibility, and non-compliance with traffic signals. The majority of the injuries involved head trauma and fractures, often due to the lack of protective gear.
New Safety Rules Under Development
Minister Koçiu explained that during the ban period, a team of traffic safety experts and transport engineers will collaborate to draft a new regulation for electric scooters. The new framework will be based on European standards, drawing examples from Italy, France, and Germany, where e-scooter use is regulated by strict rules.
Among the expected measures are:
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Mandatory helmet use for all riders.
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A minimum age requirement, likely set at 16.
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Prohibition of scooters on main roads and highways.
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Speed limits between 15–25 km/h, depending on the area.
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Mandatory registration and reflectors for visibility at night.
Police Director Ilir Proda emphasized that enforcement will be “zero tolerance” for those who violate these new regulations once they are in place.
Public Reaction: Mixed Opinions Among Citizens
The decision has triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Many citizens supported the move, calling it “a necessary pause to prevent chaos on the streets.” Others, however, expressed frustration, especially those who rely on e-scooters for daily commuting and food delivery jobs.
Environmental groups have also voiced concerns, warning that banning electric scooters might discourage green transportation initiatives. However, government officials have assured that the goal is not to eliminate e-scooters but to make their use safer and more sustainable.
Edi Rama: “Safety Comes Before Convenience”
In his post, Prime Minister Rama reiterated that public safety will always come before convenience or fashion trends. He pointed out that the popularity of electric scooters cannot come at the cost of increased injuries or hospital emergencies.
He concluded by saying:
“We welcome innovation, but not chaos. Albania cannot turn its streets into racing tracks for unregulated vehicles.”
Next Steps: What to Expect After the Ban
The Ministry of Interior is expected to issue detailed instructions to local police departments across Albania. Patrols will be deployed starting Monday morning to identify and temporarily confiscate electric scooters circulating on public roads.
Citizens are advised to stay informed through official police announcements and avoid using e-scooters in public spaces until the new rules are published in the Official Gazette.
According to government sources, the new regulation is expected to be finalized within two months, after which electric scooters will be allowed back under controlled conditions.
The temporary ban on electric scooters in Albania marks an important step toward modernizing traffic safety laws and protecting citizens from avoidable injuries. While the decision has sparked debate, most agree that clear and enforceable regulations are long overdue.
Until then, the message from authorities is simple:
“Stop electric scooters now, so we can ride safely tomorrow.”