Szeged will start fining people who ride electric scooters in pedestrian zones from January. The city wants calmer pavements and safer walking routes in the centre. The new rules cover both shared scooters and private ones.
City leaders backed the change after many complaints from residents. People reported near misses, blocked pavements, and scooters left in the middle of narrow paths. So the council chose clear limits and real penalties instead of soft warnings that nobody respects.
Where e-scooters will no longer be allowed
The new rules focus on streets and spaces meant for walking only. Riders will not be allowed to use e-scooters in:
- Pedestrian-only streets and squares
- Pavements and footpaths
- The pedestrian part of any mixed foot-and-cycle route
If a sign says the space is for people on foot, riders need to step off the scooter. Then the scooter becomes something you push by hand, not a vehicle. That small change already cuts speed and risk.
Green areas will receive extra protection as well. Riding across lawns or planted strips will count as a violation. Scooters left in flower beds or on soft ground will fall under the same rule. The city links this part of the change to repair costs and the look of public spaces.
How the fines will work in practice
The city plans a short education phase at the start. In that period, officers will hand out written warnings instead of instant tickets. So regular riders have time to learn the new rules and adjust their daily routes.
Then fines will follow for people who keep breaking the rules. The maximum penalty can reach 200,000 forints. That upper limit targets people who ignore several warnings or cause repeated trouble in busy areas. Most riders who make a single mistake will likely face a smaller fine, yet the city keeps a strong tool ready for serious cases.
Parking rules matter just as much as riding rules. A scooter left across a narrow pavement can lead to a fine. The same thing applies when a scooter blocks ramps, driveways, or crossings. On top of that, the city highlights guidance strips for blind and visually impaired people. These strips must stay clear, so any scooter placed across them can trigger a penalty.
Why Szeged is tightening e-scooter rules
Electric scooters spread fast in Hungarian cities over the past few years. They offer a quick and cheap way to move through traffic. Many people use them for short trips or to link home, work, and public transport.
At the same time, hospitals see more scooter-related injuries. Doctors talk about head trauma, broken bones, and deep cuts on both adults and children. Small wheels, higher speed, and rough surfaces create a risky mix in crowded streets. So local leaders feel pressure to react.
Szeged wants a better balance between fast trips and basic safety. The city does not plan to remove e-scooters from streets or cycle lanes. It only draws a firm line around areas where people expect a slow and relaxed walking space.
Other cities move in the same direction. If you want to see how this plays out in Western Europe, you can read this article on Strasbourg’s new e-scooter limits for park and pedestrian safety. For a broader legal change, you can check this guide to Spain’s new electric scooter laws for 2026. Both show that Szeged is part of a wider shift, not an odd case on its own.
What riders in Szeged should do now
Riders in Szeged can prepare with a few simple steps.
First, plan routes that use cycle lanes and low-speed streets. Pavements and signed pedestrian areas should turn into short walking sections, not riding corridors.
Next, step off and walk the scooter in any marked pedestrian zone or square. This may feel slow at first, yet it lowers the chance of conflict with people on foot.
Then think about parking. Leave scooters close to bike racks or in wide paved spots. Always keep a clear strip for prams, wheelchairs, and people walking side by side. Ramps, crossings, and guidance strips should stay free of devices of any kind.
Shared scooter operators will likely adjust their apps and maps as well. They can mark no-parking and no-riding areas in the centre. They can warn users when a ride ends in a banned zone. Some may pass on city fines or add their own fees, so careful parking helps the wallet too.
For most riders, the change will not kill the value of e-scooters. Trips may gain a short walk at the start or end. In return, the city centre can feel calmer and safer for families, older people, and visitors. E-scooters will stay part of daily life in Szeged, yet from January they will follow clear rules that place walking first in pedestrian zones.