A State Duma deputy, Sultan Khamzaev, sent a formal petition to the head of the Russian Ministry of Transport, Vitaly Savelyev. The request proposes a lifetime ban on kicksharing for anyone who has received an administrative penalty for riding a scooter while intoxicated. The appeal highlights growing access to short term electric scooter rentals across Russia’s major cities and calls for stronger measures to curb drunk riding on these lightweight, personal mobility devices.
The lawmaker notes that current penalties for riding an electric scooter while intoxicated and violating traffic rules are relatively light. Fines reportedly fall within the range of 800 to 1,500 rubles, which Khamzaev argues are insufficient to deter dangerous behavior. He points to a pattern of injuries and near misses associated with intoxicated scooter use, including several notable incidents in St. Petersburg and other cities where riders or pedestrians were seriously harmed. The ongoing expansion of micro-mobility services has amplified concern about safety, especially in dense urban environments where mixed traffic and unpredictable rider behavior raise the risk of harm to both riders and bystanders.
According to the deputy, a standard rental scooter can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour. When unoccupied, the machine weighs around 15 kilograms, excluding the rider. Khamzaev emphasizes that drunk driving on such devices not only threatens health but can also result in fatal consequences, a risk that is amplified for vulnerable groups such as children who may be nearby during accidents. The call to action stresses that stronger penalties and clearer restrictions are needed to reduce these risks and protect public safety on streets and in shared mobility spaces.
In the text of the appeal, the deputy requests support for amendments to regulatory acts that would impose a lifetime ban on the rental of electric scooters for individuals who have previously been administratively sanctioned for riding while intoxicated. He also urges authorities to identify the location of the offender’s residence as part of enforcement. The petition underscores a broader need to align policy with the realities of rapidly expanding SIM usage and the potential consequences of drunk operation on public roads.
Russia has regulated the use of scooters, gyro scooters, unicycles and other forms of individual mobility (SIM) since March 1, 2023. The regulatory framework was updated in the previous autumn, reflecting the evolving landscape of urban mobility and the desire to standardize safety protocols, improve rider accountability, and minimize accidents associated with impaired operation. Stakeholders in the mobility ecosystem continue to debate the balance between convenient, eco friendly transportation options and the imperative to keep streets safe for everyone who shares them. The discussion includes considerations of enforcement practicality, cost to riders, and the potential social impact of stricter rules on daily commutes and urban life.