Survey reveals strong public skepticism toward electric scooters in Moscow
An online poll conducted by the Faculty of Urban and Regional Development at the Higher School of Economics, a part of the National Research University City Center, explored Muscovites’ views on electric scooters. The results show clear reservations among residents about sharing city streets with these devices.
According to the study, nearly three quarters of respondents hold negative opinions about electric scooters in Moscow. About 48 percent viewed them very unfavorably and 25 percent were quite negative. In total, negative feedback outweighed positive by almost three to one. The findings reflect a broad sense that the current situation does not meet public expectations.
Safety emerged as a central concern. The survey found that 55 percent of participants perceive electric scooters as a potential safety threat, while 45 percent worry they could pose risks to drivers of other vehicles. A sizable portion, close to 40 percent, suggested banning electric scooters altogether. However, around one in five residents noted that scooters may improve mobility within the city, and 58 percent expressed tolerance toward their presence on streets under certain conditions.
Residents also weighed possible regulatory measures. The most supported idea was reducing the maximum speed of scooters (42 percent), followed by proposals to require riders to demonstrate knowledge of traffic rules (39 percent) and to raise the minimum age for riding (36 percent).
Policy discussions have also touched on accessibility and age verification. With newly enacted rules setting an 18-year age threshold for scooter use, operators are exploring ways to verify users’ ages. Some firms are testing integrations with banking services to identify the user’s age through payment profiles, a method intended to prevent underage access. The approach aims to ensure compliance while maintaining service availability for adults who meet the regulatory requirements.
Another example of verification is the adoption of identity solutions by telecommunications providers. A major operator has introduced a user authentication system that cross-checks registration data with its network records, enabling a more reliable identification process for scooter users. This kind of measure is designed to help enforce age restrictions and improve overall safety on city streets.
There have been notable public incidents that have influenced opinion. In a previous high-profile case in Moscow, two riders on the same scooter drew attention to the practical limits of shared mobility devices in crowded urban areas. Such episodes underscore the need for thoughtful regulation, clear safety guidelines, and responsible use by all street users.
Looking ahead, the study underscores a preference among residents for a balanced approach. The majority appear ready to tolerate scooters in the urban landscape if safety is enhanced, access is responsibly managed, and clear rules govern where and how these devices can operate. The findings highlight the potential for policy adaptations that protect pedestrians and drivers while preserving the benefits of modern urban mobility.
Overall, the conversation around electric scooters in Moscow reflects a city weighing innovation against safety, efficiency against disruption, and personal convenience against public responsibility. Stakeholders from government, industry, and the public will likely continue to shape practical regulations that aim to harmonize shared mobility with the needs of a growing metropolis.