Topical Information

The National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) hosted a working meeting dedicated to the implementation of the new regulations governing the use of Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), including electric scooters. The meeting was initiated by the General Directorate National Police in response to the growing number of traffic violations and road accidents involving electric scooters, as well as the need for stronger coordination between state and local authorities in enforcement and prevention.

The main focus of the discussion was the need for a unified approach between municipalities and the Ministry of Interior in implementing the new legal provisions, as well as the exchange of good practices that have already proven effective at local level.

Representatives of the General Directorate National Police, NAMRB experts, and representatives of Sofia Municipality and the municipalities of Ruse, Gabrovo and Pernik participated in the discussion both in person at NAMRB’s headquarters and online. They exchanged practical experience and discussed opportunities to harmonise approaches to the implementation of the legal framework. The meeting marked the beginning of closer cooperation between the institutions on an issue that affects an increasing number of Bulgarian municipalities and poses new challenges for urban mobility management and road safety.

Opening the meeting, NAMRB Executive Director Silvia Georgieva underlined that electric scooters have already become part of modern urban mobility and that the challenge for public institutions is to strike the right balance between safety, effective enforcement and the sustainable development of this mode of transport.

“This is a relatively new issue not only for Bulgaria but for all European countries. Everywhere, authorities are looking for the right approach to regulate this form of mobility without unnecessarily restricting it, because it is part of the future of urban transport,” she said.

During the meeting, participants noted that the recent amendments to the Road Traffic Act considerably expand the responsibilities of municipalities while also raising a number of practical issues related to enforcement, vehicle registration, the distribution of responsibilities between municipal services and the Ministry of Interior, and the need for a clearer regulatory framework.

Municipal representatives agreed that the greatest challenge is ensuring effective enforcement. Among the main difficulties identified were the limited powers of municipal inspectorates, the inability to establish the identity of offenders without the assistance of the Ministry of Interior, the need for stronger coordination between municipal enforcement bodies and regional police departments, and the lack of technical equipment to detect certain violations, including speeding.

Representatives of Sofia Municipality and the municipalities of Gabrovo, Ruse and Pernik shared practical experience from their daily work. They presented a range of local solutions, including designated no-ride zones, the use of traffic signs and road markings, joint inspections by municipal officers and the police, active public information campaigns, and preventive initiatives targeting students and parents. Particular attention was also paid to successful practices for limiting the speed of shared electric scooters and improving enforcement in pedestrian areas.

Participants agreed that enforcement and sanctions alone cannot solve the problem. A gradual transformation of the urban environment is also required through the development of appropriate infrastructure, clearly designated riding and parking areas, and adequate traffic signage.

The discussion also highlighted examples from European practice, where dedicated spaces for different forms of personal mobility are already being introduced. Participants stressed that this approach should gradually become part of the future urban planning policies of Bulgarian municipalities.

During the meeting, NAMRB representatives presented a comprehensive overview of the current legal framework, the distribution of enforcement responsibilities between municipalities and the Ministry of Interior, an analysis of successful municipal practices, and proposals for follow-up actions. They also outlined specific recommendations for improving local regulations, organising enforcement activities more effectively, and strengthening cooperation between the institutions.

Among the proposals discussed were the preparation of a guidance document containing practical recommendations for municipalities, the promotion of successful local models, the organisation of joint public awareness campaigns involving the Ministry of Education and Science, and the development of proposals for legislative amendments in connection with the forthcoming revision of the Road Traffic Act.

The discussion also addressed the need for stricter penalties for serious and repeated offences, particularly in cases where electric scooters are operated by persons below the legally permitted age. Participants further considered expanding the powers of municipal enforcement authorities so that they can more effectively carry out the responsibilities assigned to them under the law.

The participants agreed that NAMRB and the Ministry of Interior should continue their joint efforts both to improve the regulatory framework and to develop practical mechanisms for cooperation between municipalities and law enforcement authorities.

In her concluding remarks, NAMRB Executive Director Silvia Georgieva emphasised that expert discussions of this kind are essential for identifying practical and effective solutions and for bringing together the efforts of all relevant institutions.

“Together, we can prepare practical recommendations for municipalities, organise joint information campaigns and propose the legislative amendments that are needed to ensure a safer environment for all road users,” she said.

The meeting demonstrated that the safe use of electric scooters cannot be achieved through enforcement and sanctions alone. Participants outlined the need for a comprehensive approach combining clear rules, appropriate infrastructure, active prevention measures and effective cooperation between state institutions and local authorities. NAMRB and the Ministry of Interior will continue their joint work in this direction so that municipalities have the necessary legal and practical tools to guarantee the safety of citizens.