In Moscow, the top speed for electric scooters and other personal mobility devices is restricted to 20 km/h, according to Evgeniy Loginovsky, the Deputy Head of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate’s Moscow Directorate, speaking at a roundtable in the Moscow City Duma on SIM use. The update was reported by RIA News.
Loginovsky also stated that children and teenagers under 18 should be prohibited from riding electric scooters, with the ban to be enacted as soon as possible. He cited a year-to-date tally of 805 accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMDs) within ten months, noting that more than 200 of these incidents occurred in October alone.
Currently, Moscow imposes a 25 km/h speed limit in certain areas, along with designated slow zones where speeds drop to 5–15 km/h to protect pedestrians and minimize risk in busy corridors.
Between January and September 2023, Russia recorded approximately 2.6 thousand PMD-related accidents, a figure that more than tripled compared with the same period in the previous year. Of these incidents, about 26% occurred on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and zones, while roughly 22.8% happened at controlled pedestrian crossings, underscoring the safety challenges PMD users face in mixed-traffic environments.
Data from the discussion and ongoing monitoring highlight a rapid escalation in PMD use and associated safety concerns in major urban centers. Officials emphasize the need for clear rules, consistent enforcement, and public education to reduce injuries while preserving the mobility benefits that these devices offer for short urban trips. The conversation continues to weigh the balance between convenience, accessibility, and safety in a city characterized by high pedestrian volumes, diverse street layouts, and evolving regulations. (RIA News attribution)
Experts note that the trends observed in Moscow reflect broader shifts in urban mobility across large Russian cities, where PMDs have become popular alternatives for first- and last-mile travel. Authorities are discussing not only speed caps and age restrictions but also infrastructure improvements, such as more clearly marked lanes, better signage, and enhanced crosswalk safety measures. Public transportation integration and insurance coverage for PMD users are also under consideration as cities seek to modernize mobility while safeguarding residents and visitors alike. (RIA News attribution)
Analysts caution that a patchwork of rules across different districts can confuse riders and reduce compliance. A cohesive framework—covering device categories, rider responsibilities, vehicle standards, and penalties—could help normalize PMD usage while minimizing risk. In Moscow and beyond, policymakers are interested in balancing innovation with pedestrian prioritization, encouraging responsible riding, protective gear, and predictable rules that can adapt as technology and urban landscapes evolve. (RIA News attribution)