A proposal from Julia Mann, a member of the expert council within the Transport Commission of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, calls for a mandatory exam to test knowledge of traffic rules for drivers of electric scooters and other forms of individual mobility devices. The aim is to raise the standard of safety by making formal training a prerequisite for operating these personal transport options, in addition to holding a driver’s license. This approach would also create a mechanism to influence behavior among riders who commit traffic violations.
In discussing the plan, Mann pointed to concerning safety statistics. During the year 2021, there were 1,344 recorded incidents involving individual mobility devices that led to injuries or fatalities, with additional incidents not reaching the traffic police oversight. The fatalities amounted to 40, and injuries totaled around 1,400 in that period. These figures are cited in an interview with KP and are used to underscore the perceived need for stricter training and accountability for SIM operators. This framing suggests that formal certification could help reduce the number of preventable accidents and promote responsible riding habits. [citation: KP]
The discussion also notes that a portion of violations occurred among riders who were under the influence of alcohol. In five percent of documented cases, alcohol impairment was a contributing factor. Currently, penalties for such violations are relatively modest, with fines around 1,500 rubles. The argument follows that once rights or certifications are tied to SIM operation, violators may face stronger consequences, including the potential loss of their certification. This potential risk is presented as a deterrent designed to encourage more careful and law-abiding behavior while using personal mobility devices. [citation: KP]
Under the proposed framework, once the SIM is treated as a form of transport and riders are granted the corresponding credentials, traffic police and neighborhood patrols would be empowered to enforce rules governing the use of electric scooters and related devices. The intent is to establish clearer enforcement channels and to align SIM operation with other regulated forms of transportation, enabling law enforcement to take a more proactive role in ensuring safety on roads, sidewalks, and shared spaces. The proposal reflects a broader attempt to integrate emerging mobility options into existing traffic law and public safety practices. [citation: KP]