The ministry outlines new rules for larger personal mobility devices
The Ministry of Transport has put forward a set of proposed amendments to the Road Regulation aimed at changing how larger personal mobility devices, including scooters and unicycles, are used on sidewalks. The proposals specify that devices weighing more than 35 kilograms should not operate on pedestrian pathways. This shift would mark a significant change for city sidewalks and foot traffic, affecting riders and pedestrians alike.
Key elements of the proposal include a speed cap for these devices when on sidewalks. The plan suggests limiting SIM speeds to 25 kilometers per hour while pedestrians are present on the same walkway. The intention behind this limit is to reduce potential conflicts between riders and people sharing the space, a concern that has grown as new mobility devices have entered urban environments. The measures emphasize safety and the need to preserve comfortable, navigable sidewalks for foot traffic.
Another notable recommendation is to clarify the relative benefits of pedestrians traveling together with cyclists and SIM users within the SDA. The drafting aims to make it clearer that pedestrians should have priority in crowded or high-traffic sidewalk areas, and that cyclists and SIM users share responsibility for safe passage. The proposed amendments would also specify age-related usage guidelines. Children aged seven to fourteen would be directed to use bicycles and SIMs only on sidewalks and designated bike paths, reinforcing structured and predictable behavioral expectations for younger riders. This provision reflects a broader effort to separate fast, motorized devices from zones where younger pedestrians and families commonly travel.
There is also consideration for older users. The draft rules contemplate allowing seniors to ride these devices on road shoulders and main roads, including or near routes where the posted speed limit reaches up to sixty kilometers per hour. The intent here appears to be to balance mobility access for older residents with overall safety considerations for higher-speed traffic environments. This element signals a nuanced approach to sidewalk safety versus road access, with attention to varying urban road configurations and the accessibility needs of senior citizens.
Recent incidents have sparked renewed debate about how pedestrians and mobility device users share public spaces. A report from Moscow noted a collision involving a 12-year-old who was speeding at a pedestrian crossing, highlighting the kinds of safety hazards that policymakers hope to address with clearer rules. Observers say such events underscore the importance of well-defined usage boundaries, clear signage, and predictable behavior from all road users, especially in busy urban cores. The debate continues as officials weigh the trade-offs between convenience, equity, and safety for a growing roster of SIM users.
Proponents of the proposals argue that clear limits help create uniform expectations for everyone on sidewalks and alongside roads. They point to the need for updated regulations that reflect the increasing variety of personal mobility devices, from lightweight scooters to heavier unicycles and similar machines. Critics, however, caution about the practical implications for daily commutes and the potential for enforcement challenges in dense neighborhoods. The fate of the amendments will hinge on how legislators balance pedestrian safety with the real-world mobility needs of residents who rely on these devices for work, school, and errands.
As the discussion unfolds, municipalities and transport authorities may explore complementary measures. These could include educational campaigns about safe riding practices, clearer markings to differentiate zones for pedestrians, cyclists, and device users, and targeted enforcement to discourage reckless behavior while preserving mobility options. The core objective remains to make sidewalks safer for foot traffic and to create a coherent framework that guides the use of heavier personal mobility devices in urban settings. The proposed changes reflect an evolving view of how city streets should accommodate a diverse mix of travelers, with safety, accessibility, and fairness at the forefront of policy considerations.
Observers and stakeholders will be watching to see how the SDA amendments are drafted, debated, and ultimately implemented. The outcome will shape how residents in major cities navigate shared spaces, how young riders learn to use mobility devices responsibly, and how older adults maintain their independence without compromising safety for others. The evolving policy landscape demonstrates the ongoing effort to adapt transportation rules to technological and behavioral shifts, while keeping public spaces safe and welcoming for all users.