New rules will govern the certification of electric personal mobility devices in the upcoming GOST framework. Agencies renting such devices have already begun enforcing these restrictions, and now ownership by individuals who use electric scooters, unicycles, and gyro scooters will come under the same regulatory umbrella, according to a report by Kommersant.
At the core of the proposed standard is the joint effort led by FSUE NAMI. The document, which is moving through the approval process, envisions that all e-SIM cards entering or produced within the Russian Federation will undergo certification to align with the new requirements. A central stipulation is the factory-set maximum speed capped at 25 km/h, a threshold designed to harmonize performance with safety considerations across the market.
In practice, the satellite-based control system will impose speed limits in designated zones, such as parks or pedestrian-heavy areas. The so-called pedestrian mode would throttle speed to 6 km/h, and electric scooters would activate a clear, highly visible signaling mechanism to alert nearby drivers and pedestrians. If a SIM card supports reverse gear functionality, the same 6 km/h limit would apply in reverse as well. This layered approach aims to reduce acceleration risk in crowded environments while maintaining operational awareness for users, operators, and bystanders. [Kommersant report]
Additional technical requirements specify a non-slip riding surface with a minimum area of 150 square meters for stable footing, a tire diameter of no less than 125 mm, and a tread width of at least 25 mm. All e-SIM equipped devices must feature retro-reflective elements to improve visibility during low-light conditions. These measures collectively seek to minimize slip incidents and enhance conspicuity on shared pathways and roadways. [Kommersant report]
When a device can reach speeds up to the 25 km/h maximum, mandatory lighting infrastructure comes into play, including front headlights and rear taillights. Slower models may opt into lighting features, but the standard strongly encourages illumination to improve user safety after dark. Product labeling is expected to carry essential data such as the manufacturer’s name, device class, maximum speed, year of manufacture, power output, and the maximum permissible weight. Clear labeling supports consumer awareness and regulatory traceability alike. [Kommersant report]
Public commentary on the draft standard is scheduled to continue through the end of June. In parallel, there is growing attention to safety incidents involving personal mobility devices. Statistics from recent years indicate a rise in accidents, with 672 reported incidents in 2021, representing a 67.5% increase over 2020, resulting in 20 fatalities and 704 injuries. About half of these accidents involved devices rated at 0.25–4 kW, while 11% involved models exceeding 4 kW. Alcohol impairment contributed to roughly 5% of the cases. These figures underscore the urgency of implementing consistent safety requirements across the market. [Kommersant report]