Russia Sees More Fatalities and Injuries from Personal Mobility Devices in Early 2022
During the first half of 2022, Russia faced a troubling rise in traffic incidents involving personal mobility devices such as electric scooters, unicycles, and segways. A report from the Science Center for Road Safety, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, shows six deaths and 382 injuries attributed to these devices in that period. This marks a sharp increase compared with the same timeframe in the previous year, with deaths rising by about 100% and injuries by roughly 177%.
Analysis of the incidents reveals that collisions with pedestrians accounted for the vast majority of cases, nearly eight out of ten. A smaller portion involved other types of collisions. A significant share of accidents occurred at pedestrian crossings and on entrances to or exits from neighboring areas, underscoring the risk these devices pose in zones where foot traffic is dense or where vehicles and pedestrians cross paths without clear separation.
Geographically, Moscow saw the highest concentration of incidents, with most cases reported there. Other notable clusters appeared in the surrounding region and major cities, including St. Petersburg, Sverdlovsk, and Nizhny Novgorod. The distribution indicates that urban density, infrastructure layouts, and traffic patterns play key roles in the frequency and severity of crashes involving personal mobility devices.
In response to these findings, officials have considered strengthening evaluation measures for scooter users. A senior figure from the sports committee proposed that individuals who drive these devices should undergo a driving test administered by the traffic police. The idea is to ensure riders understand local traffic rules and safe operation practices. If a rider passes the test, the official would issue a certification to the scooter owner, which could serve as proof of competency in the future. These proposals reflect an emphasis on accountability and hands-on assessment as part of broader road-safety efforts. It is important to note that the implementation details and timing of any such testing program would depend on ongoing policy discussions and operational considerations. Additional context from the reporting agencies indicates that the goal is to reduce risk by promoting responsible riding behaviors and better integration of SIM users into existing traffic systems. (Source: Science Center for Road Safety; Ministry of Internal Affairs; National Transport Safety authorities)