Massive Enforcement Gap in Electric Scooter Regulations Across Israeli Cities
In Israel, sidewalks have become daily battlegrounds as pedestrians navigate between speeding electric scooters and bikes, often risking collisions. By law, electric scooters and bikes are only allowed on designated bike paths or, if none exist, on the road, with riding on sidewalks strictly prohibited. However, many cities lack continuous, safe bike paths, making enforcement difficult and endangering both pedestrians and riders. In 2025 alone, 122 pedestrians and 126 riders were killed in related accidents.
To address this, the government implemented a comprehensive reform starting in 2024, mandating visible license plates on electric vehicles and restricting untrained riders and those under 16. Enforcement powers were expanded from police to municipal inspectors, who can now issue fines for various violations including riding on sidewalks, not wearing helmets, and using phones while riding. Despite these measures, data obtained by the "Or Yarok" association reveals vast disparities in enforcement across cities.
Tel Aviv leads with over 55,000 fines issued in 2025, collecting more than 29 million shekels, followed by Ashkelon, Rishon Lezion, Holon, and Netanya with significantly fewer fines. Holon recently announced a complete ban on shared electric scooters starting September 17, 2026, citing pedestrian safety concerns. Critics warn this could increase private scooter use, which lacks regulation and poses greater risks. Meanwhile, Jerusalem, despite having about 50 authorized inspectors, admitted to no actual enforcement in this area, alongside several other cities reporting zero fines in 2025.
The reluctance of many municipalities to enforce regulations is puzzling given the legal tools and increased fines available, which now reach up to 1,000 shekels for serious offenses. "Or Yarok" warns that this enforcement gap costs lives and undermines public safety. The association's CEO, Yaniv Yaakov, stressed the urgent need for continuous, separated bike lanes and stronger municipal enforcement to protect pedestrians.
Local government representatives claim enforcement varies due to each city's unique characteristics. Holon's mayor, Shay Kinan, emphasized the city's commitment to preventing scooter-related dangers and plans to offer safer shared electric bike services. Jerusalem's municipality stated it has recently begun targeted enforcement and public safety campaigns. The issue highlights a critical challenge in balancing urban mobility with pedestrian safety in Israeli cities.
