Electric scooters (officially called "e-kickscooters" under Maltese law) are legal, regulated, and increasingly visible on Malta's roads and promenades. The regulatory framework under Micromobility Regulations S.L.499.67 is more comprehensive than most European countries — Malta requires registration, insurance, and an AM licence category, which makes its e-scooter framework stricter than many EU neighbours. Understanding what is required before you ride — or before you buy one — saves significant hassle with Transport Malta and LESA enforcement.
Core requirement: E-kickscooters in Malta must be registered with Transport Malta, insured (minimum third-party), and ridden by someone who holds at least an AM driving licence category. This applies to both privately owned and shared/rental scooters. Unregistered scooters risk fines of up to €500.
E-Scooter Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Licence required | AM category (moped licence) — or existing A or B category licence for those 18+ |
| Registration | Required — one-time fee of €10 at Transport Malta (Paola) |
| Insurance | Required — minimum third-party liability |
| Max speed on roads | 20 km/h (in direction of traffic) |
| Max speed on pavements/promenades | 10 km/h |
| Where allowed | Pavements, promenades, bike lanes, pedestrian zones (10 km/h); roads and designated cycle routes (20 km/h) |
| Where prohibited | Arterial roads, distributor roads, tunnels, underpasses |
| Helmet | Not legally mandatory — strongly recommended |
| Lights | Front and rear lights required |
| One person only | Passengers not permitted |
| Phone while riding | Prohibited |
| Fine for unregistered scooter | Up to €500 |
Getting an AM Licence
The AM category is Malta's moped/low-powered vehicle licence. For anyone already holding a full B (car) licence, the AM category is already included — no additional test required. For those 16–17 without any licence, obtaining an AM licence requires passing a theory test at Transport Malta. The fee is €31 for a 3-year probationary AM licence. The theory test is available in English. Full details at transport.gov.mt.
Registration Process
Before using your e-kickscooter on any public road or pavement, you must bring it to Transport Malta's Technical Unit in Paola for physical inspection. The unit confirms the scooter meets the technical requirements under S.L.65.26 — primarily that it has a maximum speed of 20 km/h, functional lights, and meets construction standards. After inspection, register at Transport Malta for the €10 one-time fee. You'll receive a registration plate and licence disc that must be displayed on the vehicle.
The Shared/Rental Scooter Market
Commercial e-scooter sharing operators in Malta must meet additional requirements: a €200 annual operator fee plus €25 per scooter in their fleet. Operators with compliant fleets have the registration handled as part of their licence. If you're using a shared scooter service, the legal compliance is the operator's responsibility — but you still need the AM licence (or existing A/B licence) to ride legally. Riding a rental scooter without the appropriate licence category means the rider, not just the operator, is in violation.
Where You Cannot Ride
Arterial roads (the main through-roads connecting towns) are off-limits for e-kickscooters. In practical terms for anyone in the Sliema/St Julian's area: the main arterial road along the coast and the major inter-town connectors are prohibited. The promenades, seafront walkways, and designated cycle lanes are permitted — which covers most of the useful riding terrain for people living in those areas. Away from the harbour corridor, the restricted arterial roads are harder to avoid, which limits the practical utility of scooters for longer journeys.
