Electric scooter regulation and rules in Türkiye 2026: age, speed, helmet, fines
In Türkiye, an electric scooter (e-skuter) is a stand-up vehicle with a top speed of 25 km/h. People under 15 may not use one; only one person may ride; it may not be used on pavements, motorways or roads with a speed limit above 50 km/h. A helmet is not legally required. In 2026 the fine for most rule violations is 5,000 TL. There is no plate, registration or compulsory insurance for a personal scooter.
By: Şarj Rehberim · Updated: · 5 min read
Short answer
Electric scooters entered the Highway Traffic Law in 2021 under the name "elektrikli skuter" (electric scooter) and were regulated by the Electric Scooter Regulation published on 14 April 2021. The regulation was amended on 2 December 2025 for rental scooter operators and on 13 October 2026 for administrative sanctions.
The basic rules for personal scooter users have not changed: the age limit is 15, one person only, and the cycle path if there is one.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Official Gazette 14.04.2021: Electric Scooter Regulation
Electric scooter rules
- Definition: a stand-up electric vehicle with brakes whose speed reaches at most 25 km/h.
- Age: people under 15 may not use one; rental scooter companies may not serve people under 15 either.
- Passengers and loads: no one other than the rider may ride; no load other than a backpack may be carried.
- Where to ride: on the cycle path or lane if there is one; otherwise on the far right of roads with a speed limit not above 50 km/h. It may not be used on pavements, motorways or intercity roads.
- Equipment: a white front light, a red rear light, reflectors and a bell audible from at least 30 metres are mandatory.
- Riding: ride with both hands; holding on to another vehicle and doing stunts are prohibited.
- Parking: you may not park in a way that blocks pedestrians, disabled people or traffic.
- Helmet: there is no legal helmet requirement for e-scooters; rental scooter companies must inform users about helmets, knee pads and reflective vests. Even so, a helmet is the most important protection.
2026 electric scooter fines
The amounts are from the General Directorate of Security's (EGM) 2026 guide to traffic administrative fines. Fines for rental scooter operators were set at between 8,687 TL and 170,000 TL by the 13 October 2026 amendment and apply separately for each scooter.
| Violation | Fine (if paid within 15 days) |
|---|---|
| Riding on the carriageway when there is a cycle path | 5,000 TL (3,750 TL) |
| Riding in a pedestrian area | 5,000 TL (3,750 TL) |
| Riding more than two abreast in the same lane | 5,000 TL (3,750 TL) |
| Not riding with both hands, not following safety rules | 5,000 TL (3,750 TL) |
| Carrying a passenger or load | 5,000 TL (3,750 TL) |
| Using it on a motorway or on a road with a limit above 50 km/h | 5,000 TL (3,750 TL) |
| Letting a person under 15 use a scooter (fine for the person allowing it) | 1,246 TL (934.50 TL) |
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): EGM: 2026 traffic administrative fines guide
New rules for rental scooters
- With the 2 December 2025 amendment, geofencing became mandatory: when a scooter enters a prohibited zone, its speed is gradually reduced to 6 km/h.
- Speed limits are set by UKOME (the transport coordination centre) in metropolitan cities and by provincial and district traffic commissions in other provinces, and they are binding on the operator.
- A wrongly parked scooter must be collected within 2 hours; scooters must go out with at least 20% charge; a 24/7 call centre is mandatory.
- Since 1 July 2026, at least 30% of the fleet must come from TSE-certified manufacturers.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Official Gazette 02.12.2025: amendment to the Electric Scooter Regulation
Plates, insurance, charging and public transport
As of 3 November 2026 there is no obligation to register, plate or take out compulsory traffic insurance for a personal electric scooter; proposals to this effect submitted to the Turkish parliament (TBMM) have not become law.
On Metro Istanbul, folding scooters are accepted free of charge throughout operating hours; non-folding ones can be taken outside 07–09 and 17–20 on weekdays. Rental scooters are not allowed; riding a scooter in stations and on trains is prohibited.
Charge your scooter at home with the manufacturer's charger, under supervision and away from flammable materials; do not use a swollen or damaged battery.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Metro Istanbul: travel rules
Frequently asked questions
- At what age can you use an electric scooter?
- Anyone who has turned 15 can use one; no driving licence is required.
- Is a helmet mandatory on an electric scooter?
- No, there is no legal helmet requirement for e-scooters and no helmet fine is applied. Wearing a helmet is still recommended.
- How much is the fine for an electric scooter?
- In 2026 the fine for violations such as riding in a pedestrian area, carrying a passenger or using a motorway is 5,000 TL; 3,750 TL if paid within 15 days.
- Does an electric scooter need a plate and insurance?
- No. There is no obligation to register, plate or insure a personal scooter.