Parliament has voted on stricter rules for electric scooter riders

Bulgaria's parliament has approved new regulations for electric scooters, introducing mandatory registration and civil liability insurance under amendments to the Road Traffic Act passed at second reading.

The changes, reported by the state-run BTA news agency, also prohibit the use of electric scooters after dark, scrapping the previous requirement for riders to wear reflective clothing at night.

Under the new rules, scooters may be used on cycle paths, or, where these are not available, as close as possible to the right-hand edge of the carriageway. The maximum speed remains capped at 25 km/h.

Riders must now be at least 16 years old and wear a protective helmet. The use of mobile phones while riding is banned, as is carrying passengers.

Parking is also restricted. Scooters may not be left in parks, playgrounds, green spaces, or in front of metro station entrances and buildings.