Russia Recognizes Electric Scooters as Vehicles and Moves Toward Unified Rules

The Supreme Court of Russia has established that electric scooters are to be treated as vehicles. This shift in classification came amid ongoing discussions about road safety and traffic regulation. A member of the State Duma Transport Infrastructure Committee, Andrei Kolesnik, spoke on the matter in an interview with socialbites.ca. He emphasized the need for Russia to develop a punishment framework for electric scooter operators while also prioritizing education for all road users. Kolesnik pointed out that fines should be part of a balanced system. He argued that education is essential because the current approach tends to single out drivers as offenders, while pedestrians previously faced penalties too. The goal, he explained, is a system where accountability rests with everyone who shares the road. He urged the creation of a federal law that provides clear, comprehensive rules and standards. This, he noted, is a long overdue issue that must be addressed quickly but without compromising quality. The issue, in his view, is serious and requires thoughtful legislation that can adapt to evolving transport technologies. Previously, the Supreme Court had accepted a legal interpretation of the Rules of the Road that allows electric scooters to qualify as vehicles. At the same time, representatives from the Attorney General’s office cautioned that no law can list every possible vehicle category. However, electric scooters can be classified as vehicles based on their speed and method of propulsion, which places them within a lawful framework for road use. Stakeholders continue to debate the most effective way to regulate micro-mobility while ensuring safety and mobility for residents and visitors alike. The shift reflects a broader trend toward integrating new forms of personal transport into established traffic systems, with a focus on standardized criteria and enforcement that can be consistently applied across regions. This approach aims to reduce ambiguity and prevent gaps that could lead to unsafe behavior or regulatory overreach. As this regulatory conversation unfolds, experts stress the importance of education, clear signage, and accessible information for riders, pedestrians, and drivers. The move toward a federal framework is seen as a crucial step in aligning local practices with nationwide safety goals. Officials are exploring how to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that electric scooter use contributes to safer streets rather than creating new hazards. The evolving legal landscape will likely include prerequisites such as rider age limits, helmet requirements where applicable, speed caps in certain zones, and clearly defined responsibilities for all road users. In this context, periodic reviews and updates to traffic rules will help accommodate advancements in micro-mobility while maintaining consistent standards across the country.