State Duma Deputy Alexander Yakubovsky has urged the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to implement a set of safety measures for rental electric scooters. The proposal, reported by News, centers on tighter controls aimed at reducing risks associated with personal mobility devices in urban environments and the speed at which these devices operate.
The deputy proposed several concrete restrictions, including banning electric scooters from using pedestrian crosswalks and prohibiting minors from riding them. These suggestions come amid ongoing debates about how to make city streets safer for pedestrians while preserving convenient mobility options for adults who rely on electric scooters for daily tasks or commutes.
A key element of Yakubovsky’s plan calls for restricting the maximum operational speed of rental electric scooters to 15 kilometers per hour. He argues that lower speeds could help lower the incidence and severity of scooter-related accidents, especially in crowded sidewalks and near residential areas where pedestrians often mix with wheeled devices.
In explaining his stance, the deputy noted a troubling trend in the crash statistics involving personal mobility devices. He pointed to a continual rise in incidents, suggesting that previous regulatory changes have not yet produced the desired safety outcomes. The implication is that more stringent rules may be needed to address a growing safety challenge in urban centers.
Yakubovsky also highlighted the broader issue of how personal mobility aids are managed within pedestrian zones. He asserted that these devices, which are designed to facilitate movement, should not be treated as free-standing requisites for rapid transit in areas meant primarily for walking. His comments emphasize a precautionary approach to integrating motorized personal devices into mixed-use urban spaces.
Beyond speed limits and pedestrian space restrictions, the discussion touches on the effectiveness of current policy instruments. The deputy suggested the need to study crash data more comprehensively and to align safety measures with real-world usage patterns. This perspective reflects a cautious, data-driven approach to regulation, prioritizing observable outcomes over broad theoretical guarantees and calling for ongoing assessment as the market for personal mobility evolves.
There is also mention of potential policy changes concerning licensing for electric scooter users. In the broader legislative dialogue, some proposals advocate requiring a driver’s license or a similar credential to operate rental scooters, a move intended to introduce a clearer operator verification system and to deter reckless riding behavior. While the specifics vary, the underlying aim is to ensure accountability and to convey a sense of responsibility for riders who share public space with pedestrians and cyclists alike.
In summary, the participating lawmakers are weighing a combination of speed restrictions, restricted zones for scooter operation, age-related limitations, and credentialing considerations. The collective objective is to create a safer shared environment in which urban residents can access convenient, eco-friendly mobility without compromising pedestrian safety or increasing the risk of traffic incidents. Further discussions and data-driven evaluations are expected as officials review the full impact of current regulations and contemplate additional measures to address public safety concerns in the evolving landscape of micro-mobility.