The State Duma’s Proposal for an Electric Scooter Police and Public Attitudes in Moscow
A proposal circulating in Russian political discussions suggests establishing an electric scooter police. These patrols would monitor riders to ensure compliance with traffic rules, focusing on popular gathering spots and shared spaces used by scooter enthusiasts. The idea has surfaced through reports on the Telegram channel Baza, with the initiative attributed to a deputy who has been vocal about street safety concerns.
In recent months, a survey conducted in Moscow and reported to the leadership of the city’s internal affairs ministry reveals a significant degree of public unease about electric scooters. A majority of residents express negative views, with safety at the forefront of their worries. The essence of the concern, as voiced by lawmakers, centers on the perceived lack of enforcement and oversight over scooter operators in busy urban environments.
The proposed electric scooter police would function as dedicated patrol units tasked with verifying riders’ adherence to traffic regulations. Their mission would be to educate users, curb risky behavior, and deter violations in areas with heavy foot and vehicle traffic. If approved, the concept could extend beyond the capital to other urban centers across Russia, marking a shift in how scooter mobility is managed on a national scale.
Earlier, a research initiative conducted by the Center City, together with the Faculty of Urban and Regional Development at a leading national university, carried out an online study to gauge public sentiment. The results align with the broader public discourse: a large portion of Moscow residents oppose electric scooters on city streets. The numbers illustrate a nuanced stance rather than a simple yes or no vote on the technology itself.
When the data is broken down, roughly three-quarters of Muscovites report a negative attitude toward electric scooters. About 48 percent express strong opposition, and around 25 percent feel quite negative about the vehicles in the city’s public spaces. Yet a substantial minority sees potential benefits. Approximately 40 percent believe scooters could improve city mobility and make it easier to move around, while 58 percent indicate a willingness to tolerate their presence on the streets under certain conditions.
Safety concerns dominate the discussion. A majority of respondents, around 55 percent, view electric scooters as a safety threat. At the same time, nearly half of those surveyed—about 45 percent—see scooters as potentially dangerous for drivers sharing the road. Opinions diverge on restricting use, with close to 40 percent advocating a ban, while roughly one in five think scooters enhance urban mobility. These mixed attitudes shape the policy debate and influence considerations for regulatory measures.
Public input on possible regulatory steps highlights a pragmatic approach to balancing mobility with safety. Among suggested measures, reducing the maximum speed of scooters emerged as the most widely supported option, followed by ensuring riders receive education on traffic rules and expanding the minimum age for scooter users. These ideas reflect a desire to codify responsible use while preserving the convenience that scooters offer for short trips across the city.
The conversation continues across social platforms and city forums, where some discussions touch on the emergence of grey market scooter rentals. These conversations underscore the demand for accessible urban mobility options alongside the need for clear, enforceable standards that protect all road users. Authorities and citizens alike are weighing practical enforcement mechanisms against the practical benefits that scooters provide for commuting and urban travel.