Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, backed a proposal championed by Andrey Klishas, the chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Construction, to tighten how electric scooters are used in cities. This stance was reflected in an official briefing.
The authorities noted that, given current circumstances, Bastrykin supports the idea of restricting street riding for electric scooters. The proposal calls for riding to be limited to areas specifically designed for scooter use or to zones set aside for such devices. The statement underscored that the aim is to reduce risky scenarios on busy urban streets where pedestrians, including women and children, may come into harm’s way.
In the briefing, it was emphasized that prior measures had not fully resolved the safety concerns, as new incidents involving scooter users appeared in various parts of the country. These events highlighted the need for stronger rules and clearer boundaries to protect pedestrians and improve overall urban safety.
As part of potential measures, authorities suggested that scooter rental operators implement technical speed limitations and work with traffic authorities to determine appropriate caps. The intent is to align scooter performance with real traffic conditions and to ensure that operators take responsibility for the safety of riders and non-riders alike.
Additionally, the plan discussed by lawmakers proposed removing scooters from general city streets and confining their operation to parks and secured residential areas. This approach would create safer corridors for scooter use while preserving pedestrian spaces and reducing interaction risks in dense urban centers.