Road Safety and Personal Mobility Devices: Insights from the Moscow Area Survey
Recent research conducted in Russia by Rosgosstrakh in collaboration with the AVTODOM Group highlights a notable trend on the roads: roughly one in four drivers reports encountering a situation that feels like an emergency because others travel with personal mobility devices such as electric scooters, bicycles with electric assist, or other SIMs. The study also notes that more than 1,500 drivers over 18 participated in discussions on the Moscow Speaks radio program, adding a human dimension to the statistics.
Key findings reveal that 13 percent of participants have experienced an incident involving an electric scooter, 11 percent with a bicycle (including electric models), and 3 percent with other types of personal mobility devices. Among respondents, 91 percent indicated that the SIM driver was at fault in the incidents described. This points to a perceived pattern of responsibility on the part of the device operator in the majority of near-misses and accidents.
The survey also highlighted attitudes among ordinary drivers. About 61 percent expressed a negative view of bicycle and scooter riders on the road, and 66 percent identified electric scooters as the most problematic form of transport on shared streets. Children and teenagers (47 percent) and couriers (36 percent) were singled out as the groups considered most unpredictable when using SIMs.
There is a notable fraction, roughly one in four drivers, who maintain a neutral stance toward SIM users on the road. About 14 percent hold a positive opinion, driven in part by their own regular use of this mode of transport. These attitudes reflect a mix of experience, risk perception, and evolving norms around how personal mobility devices should coexist with traditional vehicles.
Further context comes from a survey conducted by the SuperJob.ru Research Center at the end of August. The results suggest regional differences in public opinion, with Moscow and St. Petersburg often appearing as focal points in debates about mobility solutions, including the debate over electric scooter rentals.
Earlier reports indicate that Russia is considering measures to regulate personal mobility devices more strictly, including mandatory registration for electric scooters. These policy discussions emphasize balancing convenience and safety while addressing the concerns of drivers who share road space with SIMs.
Overall, the findings underscore a broader conversation about how cities can accommodate growing use of personal mobility options, ensure rider training and accountability, and establish clear expectations for all road users. This includes recognizing the needs of non-motorized travelers, delivery personnel, and younger riders who may be less experienced behind the wheel of a SIM. The ongoing dialogue about safety standards, urban design, and regulatory frameworks aims to reduce conflicts and improve outcomes for everyone on the road.
At the same time, readers should consider how these issues translate to other regions, including North America, where cities are experimenting with similar questions about scooter sharing, bike lanes, and curb management. The evolving landscape in Canada and the United States highlights the value of thoughtful policy, rider education, and infrastructure that supports safer, more predictable interactions among all road users. In this sense, the Russian experience contributes to a global understanding of how to integrate personal mobility devices into busy urban environments.
Attribution: The above synthesis draws on research from Rosgosstrakh and the AVTODOM Group, along with insights reported by SuperJob.ru Research Center and related media coverage. Although the specifics reflect the Russian context, the themes of safety, driver perception, and regulatory considerations have universal relevance for cities worldwide where SIM usage is expanding. [citation: Rosgosstrakh, AVTODOM Group; SuperJob.ru Research Center; Moscow Speaks program].