Bulgarian Parliament has approved significant changes to the Road Traffic Act, tightening regulations for electric scooter riders across the country which follows the steps of other EU members which have done so lately.
The new amendments introduce mandatory third-party insurance, a ban on nighttime use, and stricter traffic and parking rules for personal electric vehicles.
Key Changes
As part of the updated legislation electric scooter riders must now hold valid civil liability insurance, as outlined in the Insurance Code. First-time offenders face a fine of 250 leva, rising to 800 leva for repeat violations. Riding at night is now strictly prohibited, regardless of whether riders wear reflective clothing — a change from the previous regulation. Helmets are now mandatory for all riders, not just those under 18 as previously required. Scooters must have a maximum speed of 25 km/h and be in good working condition. Riders must use designated bicycle lanes. If no such lanes are available, they must travel as close as possible to the right-hand side of the carriageway.
Crossing
At pedestrian crossings, riders must dismount and cross on foot. Only one person is allowed per vehicle. Riders are prohibited from using mobile phones, walking animals, or carrying passengers. Parking restrictions now include parks, gardens, playgrounds, green areas, sidewalks, metro station entrances, public transport stops, crossings, and access ramps for people with disabilities, unless a designated parking space is provided. The minimum legal age to ride an electric scooter has been raised from 14 to 16 years.
Background
The amendments come amid rising concern over the growing number of accidents involving electric scooters — some of them fatal — often linked to speeding, lack of protective equipment, and rider intoxication. Several municipalities had already enacted local bans or restrictions before national legislation was updated.
The new rules aim to improve safety for all road users, regulate the increasingly popular mode of transport, and align Bulgaria’s laws with other European standards.