Electric scooters have become the most widely distributed mode of personal transport. When the proposal package was being prepared, the aim was to submit it to the government, a report from Izvestia cites Kirill Kabanov, a member of the Human Rights Council. The Duma is already aware of the initiative and is prepared to back it at the legislative level.
Discussion about rules for using electric scooters in Russia has intensified after several high-profile incidents during the current “scooter season.” The source notes at least two fatalities and several other scooter-related injuries from accidents.
At the heart of the HRC proposal package are a few core points. Electric scooters should be recognized as a higher-risk mode of transport, which would lead to the introduction of license plates, age restrictions, and a special driving category in the rights system. The question is timely: until now, the status of SIM devices (electric scooters, electric bicycles, gyroscopic vehicles, unicycles, and Segways) has not been defined at the federal level. Users can move freely on many of these devices, while even less risky bicycles are funneled into bike lanes.
Right now, the Supreme Court’s precedent decision stands as the only binding rule. It classifies electric scooters with power above 250 watts as mopeds, meaning they must travel on the roadway and the rider must hold a category M license. However, this is not codified in the traffic regulations. In addition, the current moratorium prevents a point-by-point change; a full rewrite is required.
Two parallel tracks for SIM-related traffic-rule changes are already underway — one from the Ministry of Transport and another from the Civil Chamber of the Russian Federation. Experts say real reform could come soon. First, SIM restrictions could affect younger users, with discussions ranging from a total ban for under-18s to limiting motor power for underage operators.
- In the meantime, the maximum speed of all imported gyroscooters into Russia is limited to 25 km per hour.
- Turn-by-turn driving directions and updates are available through social networks.