Makarska plans e-scooter ban in pedestrian zones

The Croatian coastal city of Makarska plans to ban the use of electric scooters in pedestrian zones and on pavements by the end of the year, citing growing safety concerns.

The proposed changes follow a recent accident in which 70-year-old local resident was seriously injured after being struck by an electric scooter while walking on a pavement. She suffered a broken arm in the fall.

The city administration is preparing amendments to its traffic regulations, with the new rules expected to be adopted in the autumn or by the end of 2026, Slobodna Dalmacija reported.

New traffic rules being prepared

The issue was raised during the latest meeting of Makarska City Council by councillor Tonći Gojak, who asked whether the city was considering restricting electric scooter use in certain areas.

Mayor Zoran Paunović confirmed that changes were being prepared.

He said the city’s Council for Safety and Prevention had discussed the growing number of traffic offences and accidents involving electric scooter riders, many of which, he said, resulted in serious injuries.

Paunović also pointed to concerns about younger riders, noting that many electric scooter users are under the age of 18.

The planned amendments to the city’s traffic regulations are intended to prohibit electric scooters in pedestrian zones and improve safety in areas used heavily by pedestrians.

The mayor also highlighted a shortage of municipal wardens and police officers, particularly during the busy summer season, making it difficult to monitor all traffic offences.

The city is considering expanding its use of surveillance cameras as one possible solution, although Paunović said this would represent a significant financial investment.

Makarska has already taken other measures aimed at addressing public safety and city management, including a recent ban on the sale of alcohol after 9pm.

Under Croatian traffic regulations, electric scooter riders must be at least 14 years old to ride independently, while helmets are compulsory. Only one person may ride an electric scooter, and the maximum permitted speed is 25 km/h.

Electric scooters should be used on cycle paths where available. In their absence, riders may use pedestrian areas, but must do so with particular care.

At night and in conditions of reduced visibility, riders must wear reflective clothing or a reflective vest, while the scooter must be properly illuminated.

According to data from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior, 1,650 people have been injured in accidents involving electric scooters since they were formally included in Croatia’s Road Traffic Safety Act in 2022.

Six people have died, while 443 suffered serious injuries and 773 sustained minor injuries.

Makarska’s planned restrictions reflect growing concerns in Croatian cities and tourist destinations over the interaction between electric scooters and pedestrians, particularly in busy urban and coastal areas.