In Moscow, tests are underway on major streets to detect violators using neural networks that monitor personal mobility devices, including electric scooters. The claim came from Alexander Bykov, head of the city’s traffic police, and was reported by TASS. The aim is to enhance enforcement of traffic rules for devices categorized as personal mobility aids or SIMs.
Bykov explained that the traffic management center already operates a citywide system that integrates a neural network with the automated traffic control apparatus. This integration helps pinpoint incidents where SIM operators violate established rules. The system’s deployment on central thoroughfares illustrates a broader push to tighten oversight as the use of personal mobility devices grows among residents and visitors alike, particularly in zones with higher traffic density.
The Moscow traffic police chief noted that the pilot program focused on streets with elevated speed limits to test the network’s ability to identify speed violations and other infractions captured by the city’s video surveillance network. Roadside cameras feed data into a centralized platform where algorithms analyze movements, vehicle classifications, and timing to verify potential breaches of traffic laws by SIM operators.
Earlier reports from the newspaper Kommersant suggested that the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation called for the creation of dedicated parking areas and better infrastructure to support electric scooters, unicycles, and other SIMs across Russian regions. The initiative reflects a national effort to standardize usage, ensure safety, and improve urban mobility through regulated spaces and clear rules.
As reforms progressed, the government announced a change in traffic rules early in the year, formally recognizing electric scooters, electric skateboards, gyros, segways, unicycles, and similar devices as personal mobility aids with specific operating parameters. Movement on these devices is permitted at speeds up to 25 kilometers per hour, and the devices must weigh no more than 35 kilograms to be used on sidewalks, bicycle paths, and pedestrian zones. Pedestrians retain priority, and SIM users are required to dismount when approaching crosswalks, emphasizing safety and coexistence with foot traffic.
Officials stressed that the evolving framework aims to balance freedom of personal transport with public safety. The Moscow system’s ongoing refinement includes calibrating sensor accuracy, improving image resolution for better identification of violations, and ensuring that enforcement respects privacy considerations while maintaining road safety as a top priority. Observers note that the success of these measures will hinge on clear guidance for city workers, transparent procedures for processing violations, and consistent standards across districts.
From a practical standpoint, drivers of SIMs are advised to stay within posted speed limits, avoid riding on pedestrian-only zones where prohibited, and respect the flow of pedestrians at crossings. Law enforcement remains prepared to intervene when safety is compromised, but the overarching objective is to create an orderly urban environment where different modes of transport can share space without compromising on safety or accessibility. Community feedback highlights a desire for user-friendly infrastructure, including well-marked bike lanes, dedicated parking spaces, and reliable charging stations that reduce the risk of hazards posed by parked devices and battery-related issues.
The collaboration between traffic authorities, transport ministries, and law enforcement signals a broader trend toward smarter, data-driven city management. As technology evolves, so too does the ability to monitor compliance in real time, adapt protocols to emerging mobility patterns, and ensure that people can move efficiently without sacrificing safety. Stakeholders continue to monitor the impact of these measures on congestion, incident rates, and overall urban mobility satisfaction, with adjustments planned as the data dictates.
In summary, Moscow is advancing a coordinated approach to personal mobility devices that combines neural network monitoring, centralized traffic management, and clear regulatory standards. The aim is to promote safe, orderly use of SIMs on public streets while preserving pedestrian priority and ensuring that urban transport remains accessible to all residents and visitors. The ongoing pilot programs and policy developments reflect a forward-looking attempt to harmonize innovative mobility with established traffic norms, supported by authoritative updates from city authorities and national transport bodies. Citations: official statements from the Moscow traffic police and coverage by TASS, with regulatory context provided by national transport authorities and industry analysts.