New era for electric scooters: Mandatory insurance and license plates introduced

A major change is on the horizon for electric scooters, which have gained a significant place in urban transportation in recent years, especially in major cities.

Within the scope of the amendment to the Highway Traffic Law submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, both license plates and mandatory traffic insurance are being introduced for scooters. While the proposal was accepted by the TBMM Justice Commission last week, it is coming to the General Assembly agenda this week.

REGULATION CONCERNING 8 MILLION USERS

The regulation closely concerns approximately 8 million active scooter users across Turkey. With this step, the legal status of scooters in traffic will be clarified, and it is aimed to create a safer environment for both riders and other vehicles.

PROPERTY DAMAGE WILL NO LONGER BE PAID OUT OF POCKET

In the current system, scooter users had to cover all costs themselves in the event of potential accidents because they were not included in any insurance system. With the new regulation, mandatory financial liability insurance will come into effect. Thus, damages caused by a scooter rider found at fault in accidents will be covered under insurance.

Another innovation to be brought to scooters will be the license plate application. With the license plate requirement, traffic inspections will become more effective, while the determination of responsibility in cases of accidents, violations, or complaints will be facilitated.

In addition, thanks to the number of vehicles registered, control in urban transportation will be able to be carried out more reliably.

DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT MAY BE ON THE TABLE

Following the mandatory insurance and license plate requirements, one of the most debated topics in the public eye has been whether a driver's license will be required for electric scooters. Although there is no such requirement in the regulation for now, experts state that this issue may come to the agenda again in the future.