As of 7 September 2025, important legislative amendments that introduce stricter rules for the operators of individual electric vehicles (commonly known as electric scooters), enter into force. Among these new regulations are the obligations for the registration, the introduction of an age requirement for the operators, as well as the obligation to take out mandatory Civil Liability insurance.
What Makes these Changes Necessary?
In recent years, electric scooters have become an increasingly popular, but poorly regulated means of transport. A significant part of their operators uses them at high speed – both on the roadway, and on the sidewalks. This has led to an Increase In the number of accidents, including fatalities and injured minors.
As a response to these tendencies, legislative amendments were adopted, which:
- Provide a legal definition of electric scooter, referred to in the regulations as “individual electric vehicle”.
- Set technical limitations for vehicles that are not subject to registration.
- Introduce specific obligations for the operators of electric scooters.
- Impose the obligation for registration and for taking out mandatory Civil Liability insurance.
The amendments have been introduced primarily in the Road Traffic Act and the Insurance Code.
Obligations for the Operators of Electric Scooters
The amendments to the Road Traffic Act have established specific obligations for the operators of electric scooters. Among the most important are the obligations:
- To wear a protective helmet.
- To move on bicycle infrastructure, and in its absence – on the right side of the roadway.
- To use light signals and reflective elements in the conditions of reduced visibility.
- To dismount the scooter when crossing a crosswalk.
- To hold a valid Civil Liability Insurance policy for their vehicle.
Restrictions and Prohibitions
The Road Traffic Act also introduces certain restrictions and prohibitions for the operators of electric scooters. This part of the adopted amendments is scheduled to enter into force later – on 7 February 2026. Among the prohibitions are:
- The operation of an electric scooter that has not been registered.
The specific conditions and the registration procedure are to be further regulated by Order of the Municipal Council; - To exceed a speed of 25 km/h;
- To move on roads and streets where the maximum permitted speed for motor vehicles exceeds 50 km/h.
This restriction shall not apply to streets with built-in bicycle infrastructure. - To move during the dark hours of the day;
- To operate the vehicle in the areas designated solely for pedestrians.
Age Requirement
The minimum age for operating an electric scooter shall be set at 16 years, limiting the access of younger people to such vehicles.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
For the non-compliance with the obligations, numerous fines and material sanctions are envisioned.
For violations of the rules on operating electric scooters, the Road Traffic Act (in Article 183a) provides for fines ranging from BGN 50 to BGN 500.
For violations of the obligation to take out mandatory Civil Liability insurance, and respectively for the lack of such insurance, the Road Traffic Act refers to the sanctions envisioned in the Insurance Code, which are:
- If the owner of the vehicle has not taken out mandatory Civil Liability insurance:
– If the owner is a natural person – a fine in the amount of BGN 250, and in case of repeated violation – BGN 800;
– If the owner is a legal entity – a material sanction in the amount of BGN 2 000, and in case of repeated violation – BGN 4 000.
- If the operator of the electric scooter is not the owner, but nevertheless uses the vehicle without having a valid Civil Liability insurance policy for it, he shall be sanctioned with a fine in the amount of BGN 400, and in case of repeated violation – BGN 800.
The new amendments aim to achieve better regulation and improvement of safety amid the growing use of electric scooters in urban environments. Operators must acquaint themselves in due time with these new requirements, in order to avoid sanctions and ensure responsible conduct on the road.
The news above is for information purposes only. It is not a (binding) legal advice. For a thorough understanding of the subjects cov-ered and prior acting on any issue discussed we kindly recommend Readers consult Ilieva, Voutcheva & Co. Law Firm attorneys at law.
