There is currently no hands-on examination of the rules for using electric scooters and other personal mobility devices with prospective drivers. Reports from the press center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia indicate that practical testing on the operation of these vehicles has not taken place for future license holders. In this context, the focus remains on theoretical knowledge, with questions about personal mobility devices included in the theory portion of the driving test rather than in practical assessment. This gap suggests that applicants may be assessed on conceptual understanding without an opportunity to demonstrate real-world handling in controlled conditions, which has implications for safety training and public road readiness [Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs press center].
The ministry has emphasized that after changes to road rules and the reclassification of status for personal mobility devices, no practical exam has been conducted for driver candidates specifically regarding the operation of such devices. The position reinforces that knowledge checks about personal mobility devices form part of the theoretical exam, ensuring that drivers understand legal limits, speed restrictions, and safe interaction with pedestrians and other road users. This approach aligns with broader traffic-safety strategies seen in various regions where lawmakers seek to balance mobility access with public safety considerations [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs statement].
In related discussions, Artem Sheikin, deputy head of the Council for the Advancement of the Digital Economy within the Federation Council, has advocated placing a speed limit for electric scooters on sidewalks in urban centers like Moscow at 10 km/h. He argues that sidewalk use by faster devices creates hazards for pedestrians, calling for tighter controls to reduce risk in densely populated areas. His proposal highlights the ongoing tension between improving urban mobility options and preserving pedestrian safety in crowded city spaces [Reference: remarks attributed to Artem Sheikin in public communications to Moscow leadership].
Meanwhile, public safety conversations continue around how drivers of personal mobility devices should be trained, tested, and regulated. Observers note that incidents and near-misses involving e-scooters and other light electric vehicles underscore the need for consistent standards, clear signage, dedicated lanes where feasible, and enforcement that reflects both the benefits and potential dangers of expanding mobility choices. As urban areas adapt to new forms of transportation, policy discussions increasingly emphasize safe coexistence between riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles, aiming to reduce confusion and accidents while preserving convenient mobility options for residents and visitors alike [General safety policy discussions and city planning perspectives].