In August 2022, the Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee for the North-East Region of Moscow scrutinized the Wezzu electric scooter rental service at the behest of the capital’s Department of Transport and Telecommunication Infrastructure. The inquiry concentrated on whether the service met established safety standards and operational norms across public spaces. The review highlighted questions about formal authorization for use of the urban bike park, suggesting that Wezzu may not have secured an official agreement with the Traffic Management Center to operate in certain areas. Concerns about rider safety and municipal compliance emerged from this gap, underscoring the need for clear permissions when public spaces are involved [Kommersant].
Another major point centered on age restrictions. The investigation noted that Wezzu did not impose a strict age limit, allowing younger riders, including minors, to access scooters. This practice stands in contrast to other mobility operators that set a minimum age of 18. The absence of a defined age policy raises risk considerations in parks and areas with high pedestrian traffic and emphasizes the importance of consistent age guidelines across operators to reduce accidents involving younger users. The coverage by Kommersant documented these policy gaps as part of the case report [Kommersant].
Safety and maintenance of the devices themselves also drew attention. Investigators flagged concerns about the frequency and quality of safety checks performed on the scooters. The assessment suggested several devices lacked essential features such as front suspension, reliable braking systems, adequate headlights, a functioning horn, and effective deceleration mechanisms. When these components are missing or fail, the risk of rider mishaps and collisions increases, particularly in busy urban environments. The probe noted that Wezzu scooters were not integrated into a citywide initiative of slow zones, which would coordinate speed limits and rider behavior across shared spaces. This aligns with broader expectations that micro mobility fleets maintain robust safety protocols and harmonized standards. Kommersant’s reporting indicated that the company’s app marks slow zones and sets a maximum speed of 15 km/h within park areas [Kommersant].
During the examination period, Wezzu’s leadership offered clarifications. Dmitry Yankevich, the company’s general manager, asserted that the inspection did not reveal any violations and that all scooters are speed-limited to 15 km/h. He also stated that the rental contract includes an age restriction of 18. These statements were part of a broader effort to reassure customers and authorities about safety measures. The company’s public stance mirrors an industry trend toward transparent safety practices and enforced speed limits, particularly in fleets operating in mixed-use public spaces. Kommersant framed these remarks as the official position following the inspection [Kommersant].
The developments fit into wider discussions about urban micro mobility and rider safety in the Moscow region. Recent incidents involving electric scooters and other personal transport devices have spurred calls for clearer regulations, standardized safety checks, and cooperative oversight between private operators and municipal authorities. Some local operators voluntarily adopt security measures such as enforced age limits, regular maintenance checks, and integration with city infrastructure, while others face scrutiny for gaps that could raise risk in crowded areas. The Moscow case with Wezzu thus serves as a benchmark for how cities balance innovation, safety, accountability, and compliance. Observers note that the outcome may influence policy directions and the licensing framework for similar services in the future. Prior coverage of related incidents in nearby Balashikha underscores ongoing public interest in how micro mobility affects road safety and consumer protection, especially for families and younger users who encounter these devices in everyday life. The overarching takeaway is that rider safety hinges on clear rules, reliable hardware, and coordinated city-wide rules for shared spaces. The reference to these events by Kommersant provides context for ongoing debates about regulatory standards and safety expectations in the sector [Kommersant].