Andrei Klihas, who chairs the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Construction within the Federation Council, recently argued that electric scooters should be removed from the busy streets of Russian cities. His proposal is to confine this form of personal transport to parks or to private villages where residents consent to its use. This stance was reported by TASS, the state news agency, and it reflects a broader debate about safety, urban design, and the role of micromobility in dense urban environments.
Klihas expressed clear skepticism about letting electric scooters operate on city streets. He pointed to the potential for numerous emergencies and incidents involving riders, bystanders, and drivers, stressing that the current mix of traffic, pedestrians, and unpredictable scooter behavior creates risks that are not easily mitigated by existing regulations. The proposal therefore calls for dedicated lanes in parks or gated, private communities where usage can be monitored and where residents can opt in to share the road with this type of vehicle.
In addition to the safety concerns, the proposal highlights the practicalities of implementing such a policy. It would require infrastructure changes, clear signage, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. Some observers note that parks already serve as controlled environments where speed limits and safety rules can be more easily managed. Private villages, on the other hand, could implement agreements that govern how residents access and operate scooters, potentially reducing street-level risks while preserving mobility for those who live in those communities.
Earlier reports referenced incidents that have fed the debate. One involved a 24-year-old man who knocked over a small child walking with a parent on Profsoyuznaya Street in Moscow while riding an electric scooter. Another incident involved a Moscow schoolboy who was struck by a car while the scooter was rented under someone else’s account. These events underscore concerns about rider responsibility, vehicle maintenance, and the need for clearer rules around who bears liability when a scooter is misused or involved in an accident.
Public sentiment on the subject has also formed a backdrop to the policy discussion. A recent survey indicated that 37% of Russians support banning electric scooter rental services altogether. Supporters of this position often argue that rentals contribute to street clutter, complicate enforcement, and raise questions about the safety of shared mobility in urban cores. Opponents counter that well-designed regulations, proper rider education, and investment in dedicated lanes could allow scooter use to continue safely and efficiently, offering a convenient option for short trips without adding to congestion or emissions. The policy debate thus centers on balancing personal mobility with urban safety, accountability, and the practicalities of managing a growing fleet of micromobile devices in modern cities.