Government Supports Bill to Regulate Personal Mobility Devices and Bicycles
The government has endorsed a bill aimed at regulating the use of electric scooters and other personal mobility devices in public spaces. The focus is on penalties for driving these devices under the influence of alcohol. This update comes via RIA News, which cites the bill’s author, Senator Artem Sheikin, as the source of the information.
The proposal sets penalties that include fines up to 30 thousand rubles for operating electric scooters, other personal mobility devices, and bicycles while intoxicated. Fines for excessive speeding on these devices could reach up to 5 thousand rubles, and penalties for riding together could go up to 3 thousand rubles.
Senator Sheikin explained that the government review of the matter, prepared by the Ministry of Justice with input from key ministries, recommends backing the legislation developed by him and his colleagues. The aim is to create a clear framework for personal mobility devices and bicycles to improve safety in urban areas. He spoke about these points in an interview with the news agency.
The government has indicated it will support the bill once the accompanying documents are complete. The move reflects growing attention to how personal mobility devices are used in cities and the need for consistent rules across regions.
Experts in the ride-sharing sector note that similar measures in other places have sparked concerns. They warn that stricter speed limits might push consumers toward more powerful scooters, potentially offsetting safety gains if riders seek speed through higher-powered models. They emphasize the importance of balancing restrictions with practical considerations for everyday users and the role of enforcement in making rules effective.
There has been public discussion about how many Russians use scooters annually and what this means for safety and infrastructure. The debate highlights the tension between encouraging convenient individual transport and ensuring pedestrian safety in busy city centers. As policymakers move forward, the goal remains to create rules that are fair, clear, and enforceable across the country. The final decision will hinge on how well the legislation aligns with existing traffic laws and how it is implemented on the ground. This is a developing story that continues to attract attention from residents, officials, and industry stakeholders. [citation attribution]