Can I ride an electric scooter (e-scooter) on the road in Malta?
Yes, but under clear conditions — and since 2023 this is no longer a "wild west". Since 5 December 2023, electric scooters (e-kickscooters) fall under the Micromobility Regulations (S.L. 499.67). To ride one on the road you must be 16 or older, hold at least an AM category licence (if you have no car licence you must pass the AM theory test, costing about €31), register the scooter with Transport Malta for a one-off €10, and carry third-party insurance. Speed is capped at 20 km/h on roads and cycle lanes, and only 10 km/h on pavements and pedestrian areas. The myth: that you can rent an e-scooter and ride wherever you like. In fact rental scooters were banned in 2024, and an unregistered scooter can bring a fine of up to €500.
📋 The rules
- The scooter must be built with a motor that does not exceed 20 km/h, and must pass inspection at Transport Malta's Technical Unit in Paola before use.
- The rider must be at least 16 and hold an AM licence; anyone with an A or B licence (18+) is covered automatically.
- Registration with Transport Malta costs a one-off €10, and you must have valid third-party insurance.
- The speed limit is 20 km/h on roads and cycle lanes, and 10 km/h on pavements, promenades and pedestrian areas.
- Rental (sharing) scooters were banned in 2024; only registered private scooters are allowed.
🔓 Exceptions
- Arterial roads, tunnels and underpasses are prohibited for e-scooters, even if you feel the road is safe.
- A helmet is not legally required, but Transport Malta strongly recommends one — and in an insurance claim its absence can cost you.
- A scooter built to exceed 20 km/h does not qualify as an e-kickscooter and falls under the stricter regime for mopeds or motorcycles.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An unregistered or non-compliant scooter can bring a fine of up to €500, and riding without insurance can add separate charges under Chapter 65. The lack of third-party insurance is the biggest hidden risk: if you hit a person or a car, the damages — potentially thousands — fall on you personally, and you can also face civil and even criminal liability for the injury. Because rental scooters are banned, anyone running a hire service is breaking the law outright. On top of that, riding on arterial roads, in tunnels or on pavements at speed can lead to the vehicle being confiscated and to proceedings by Local Enforcement (LESA). Even if you are the pedestrian or other driver hurt by an uninsured e-scooter, recovering your losses becomes far harder.
📎 Official sources
- Transport Malta · registering and licensing an e-kickscooter →
- Legislation Malta · Micromobility Regulations (S.L. 499.67) →
- Transport Malta · guidelines for the micromobility class (PDF) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do you need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Malta?
Yes. Since 2023 you need at least an AM category licence and to be 16 or older, and anyone without a car licence must pass the AM theory test costing about €31. Beyond the licence, the scooter itself must be registered with Transport Malta and covered by third-party insurance.
How fast can I go on the pavement?
On pavements, promenades and pedestrian areas the limit is only 10 km/h, while on roads and cycle lanes you may reach 20 km/h. Arterial roads, tunnels and underpasses are completely off-limits, and that applies even if you think the road is safe enough.
Can I rent an e-scooter in Malta?
No — shared electric scooters were banned in 2024, so there is no longer a legal on-street hire service. The law only allows private scooters that are registered, insured and ridden by someone who genuinely holds an AM licence.
What happens if I ride an unregistered e-scooter?
An unregistered scooter can bring a fine of up to €500, and if you have no third-party insurance you can face additional charges under Chapter 65. In a crash all the damages fall on you personally, and that quickly costs far more than the fine itself.
Is a helmet compulsory on an e-scooter?
No, Maltese law does not require a helmet for e-scooters, but Transport Malta strongly recommends one for your safety. If you are hurt in a crash and were not wearing a helmet, this can reduce any compensation and strengthen the argument that you contributed to your own injury.
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