New Restrictions on Rental Vehicles in Greece
Greece, a popular travel destination for Australians and Europeans, is implementing new rules for drivers looking to rent certain vehicles. These changes are particularly relevant for those planning to visit the country during the peak summer season.
E-Devices and All-Terrain Quad Bikes
E-devices and all-terrain quad bikes, which are extremely popular among tourists, especially on the smaller islands, are now subject to stricter safety regulations. The Greek government has introduced measures aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents involving inexperienced riders.
Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis stated that rental operators will no longer be allowed to supply motorcycles, scooters, or quad bikes without helmets. Companies are expected to enforce compliance rather than relying solely on riders to act responsibly.
Under the proposed reforms, anyone renting a quad bike, including Australians, must have held a driver’s licence for at least five years. This measure aims to reduce crashes involving inexperienced tourists.
What is the Greek Government Proposing?
The Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, highlighted that the changes are designed to improve safety following an increase in accidents. He expressed a desire to see quads banned entirely, although this does not appear to be an immediate possibility.
“All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) must disappear from the islands,” he said, as reported by Greek City Times. “We cannot continue seeing children injured every day.”
Companies will be required to carry liability insurance to ensure compensation is available if rented e-scooters are involved in accidents.
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Aussies have been warned about rule changes, with fines potentially reaching up to $4,000 in European hotspots. Other recent developments include Bunnings expanding into a new region to ‘give customers more choice’ and residents being given weeks to leave a suburban caravan park.
Why Are Quad Bikes and E-Devices So Popular in Greece?
Rental scooters, quad bikes, and small motorbikes have become especially popular across the islands. Narrow streets, limited parking, and heavy tourist congestion make them a practical way to get around. On many islands, rough dirt tracks and coastal routes also make quads and scooters an appealing option for accessing beaches and remote viewpoints that are difficult to reach by car.
However, authorities say that this popularity has contributed to a rise in accidents and safety concerns, particularly during peak periods when inexperienced riders share tight roads with pedestrians, local traffic, and delivery vehicles.
Preparing for the Summer Tourism Season
The changes are part of a broader road safety overhaul ahead of the busy summer tourism season. During this time, Greek islands experience a sharp rise in visitor numbers and increased pressure on local roads. Hundreds of thousands of Australians travel to Europe each year during the northern summer, from June to August.
