The Ministry of Emergencies has issued a clear and urgent warning about the dangers of riding an electric scooter in rainy weather, stating that such activity is life-threatening and strictly prohibited. This guidance was disseminated through the ministry’s official Telegram channel, emphasizing that water and electric power create a high-risk combination that can lead to loss of control, electrical faults, or severe injuries. The message serves as a public safety reminder to riders, families, and educators that rainfall changes riding conditions dramatically and requires immediate caution and adjustment in behavior. The ministry’s recommendation is grounded in safety data and real-world incidents, underscoring that rain should prompt riders to seek shelter and postpone travel until conditions improve. The central message is not merely about personal risk but about preventing harm to others on shared roadways during wet conditions.
In the same notice, a comprehensive list of prohibitions is laid out to prevent dangerous practices that often accompany youth mobility and informal use of devices. Among the key prohibitions is the enforcement of the charging mode specified by manufacturers, a measure designed to protect battery health and prevent overheating or electrical faults that could start fires. The ministry also prohibits independent operation by children under the age of fourteen, which aims to shield younger riders from the unpredictable balance and reaction times required by modern personal mobility devices. Additional prohibitions address passenger carriage, meaning riding with a passenger or transporting a child without proper safety seats or footrests, and disassembly or unauthorized upgrades to the scooter, actions that can compromise structural integrity or electrical safety. Finally, the rule against riding in the rain is reiterated, reinforcing the core theme of weather-induced risk. The report frames these rules as essential safeguards for both riders and bystanders and calls for adherence across households, schools, and public spaces.
Historically, the dialogue around personal mobility aids has evolved from a provincial stance to a broader, nationwide perspective. Authorities formerly involved in transport policy have recommended that safety training for operating personal mobility devices be integrated into school curricula, signaling a shift toward preventive education. As with many regulatory debates, this proposal has encountered formal considerations within the education sector, with ministries coordinating to align standards with traffic laws and everyday use. Beginning on March 1, personal mobility devices such as electric scooters, gyro scooters, unicycles, and related devices were officially recognized as vehicles under traffic rules, and a dedicated article was created in the Code of Administrative Offenses to address violations of these rules. This formal recognition elevates the responsibility of riders and emphasizes the need for consistent behavior in shared public spaces. Concurrently, the State Duma has advocated for safe operation education in personal mobility devices not only for children but for adults as well, reflecting an inclusive approach to safety that spans all age groups. Industry representatives, including leaders from ride-sharing and short-term rental services, have echoed support for training programs, highlighting the practical benefits of standardized safety education across both public and private mobility ecosystems. This broader frame positions safe driving of personal mobility devices as a shared responsibility among government bodies, educators, providers of mobility services, and individual riders, with the ultimate goal of reducing incidents and improving overall road safety for all Canadians and Americans who rely on these devices for daily travel.