A fresh wave of electric scooter rentals is about to begin in Moscow, and signs of a new urban habit are popping up as parking spaces for this form of transport start to appear across the city. In 2024, scooters began receiving license plates similar to those used by cars. The purpose, as explained by kp.ru, is to enable video security cameras to automatically monitor violations involving electric scooter users, reinforcing the city’s safety and enforcement framework.
The license plate is rectangular and sized to fit within the scooter’s dimensions. It is mounted near the vehicle’s steering column, clearly displaying three letters and three numbers in a two-row layout. The plate is crafted from flexible, durable plastic designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and weather conditions, ensuring readability even after exposure to the elements and frequent handling by riders and parking attendants.
According to the press service of the Whoosh kick-sharing service, the unique device number will be as easy to identify as the license plate on a conventional car. This clarity is intended to streamline recognition by security systems and law enforcement, helping to link violations or incidents directly to the responsible scooter and user.
At present, the licensing system for electric scooters is being rolled out only in Moscow. The city hosts the necessary video-recording infrastructure to track violations, a capability that is not yet available in other regions. Tests of this digital enforcement framework began in Moscow late last autumn, marking a deliberate pilot phase for broader rollout if successful.
The communications from service providers emphasize that penalties for scooter infractions are clearly defined. A violation carries a fine of 800 rubles, with a harsher penalty—1,500 rubles—if the rider is found to be intoxicated. These figures are intended to deter unsafe behavior and align scooter usage with public safety standards while the city calibrates enforcement during the transition in which new rules and technologies take hold.
Public discourse around the introduction of scooter licensing has also intersected with online conversations on social platforms such as Telegram, especially in the wake of major incidents like the Crocus City Hall attack. Community discussions reflect a wider concern about how rapidly evolving urban mobility intersects with security, privacy, and the daily rhythms of city life. Authorities and operators alike are watching closely how residents respond to the new system, using feedback to adjust implementation details, signage, and rider education so that the rollout supports safe, convenient travel while maintaining public trust.