In the city of Saratov, there is a clear prohibition on riding electric scooters within the central urban area. This measure was communicated by the press service of the city mayor’s office, outlining the scope and purpose of the new rules. The decision reflects a broader effort to regulate micro-mobility in high-traffic zones, aiming to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety in the heart of the city. The coverage of the ban targets several key corridors that experience heavy foot traffic and vehicle interactions, including the boulevards along Rakhov and Astrakhanskaya streets, Pyotr Stolypin Boulevard, and the Cosmonauts Embankment from Obukhovsky Road to Babushkin Vzvoz Street. Additionally, a segment of the Novaya Embankment from Babushkin Vzvoz to 2nd Sadovaya is included in the restriction. These areas have been identified as high-risk for scooter-related incidents, so the restriction seeks to create a safer, more predictable environment for residents and visitors alike. By delineating these routes, authorities aim to minimize conflicts between fast-moving personal mobility devices and pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users who share the same urban space.
The city indicated that appropriate road signs marking the restricted streets would be installed by April 1, making the new rules visible and enforceable for all road users. The signage is expected to provide clear guidance on where scooters are permitted, as well as any related speed limits, parking zones, and potential penalties for non-compliance. The implementation plan emphasizes visibility and consistency across the affected corridors to reduce confusion among riders who navigate the center daily for work, study, or leisure. This approach aligns with common practices in urban centers that are balancing mobility innovation with safety precautions and orderly traffic management.
Earlier discussions highlighted the possibility of a licensing or registration mechanism for electric scooters, similar to the vehicle plates issued to cars. It was noted that in 2024 this concept existed as a pilot in Moscow, where a video surveillance system monitors traffic violations and may support enforcement actions. There was mention of the potential expansion of such a system to other regions if the initial efforts prove effective, which would entail broader registration requirements, identifiable plates on scooters, and automated violation records. This prospective development would represent a significant shift in how electric scooters are integrated into city infrastructure, potentially influencing rider behavior and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
On March 13, Mikhail Vetrov, president of the Association of Manufacturers of Products, Works and Services for Children, proposed introducing a program that includes riding lessons on electric scooters within schools and universities. The proposal aims to educate younger users about safe riding practices, proper helmet use, traffic awareness, and respectful sharing of public space with pedestrians and other vehicles. The suggestion reflects ongoing concerns about safety and public education as cities expand their micro-mobility offerings, emphasizing prevention and informed usage as cornerstones of policy development. The goal is to equip students with practical knowledge that can reduce accidents and promote responsible behavior on urban streets and campuses alike.
Separately, it was reported that a case involving a Tatarstan resident who struck a child with a scooter resulted in a compensation payment of 500,000 rubles. This verdict underscores the accountability framework that can accompany scooter-related incidents and serves as a reminder for riders and parents to exercise caution. The incident highlights the importance of adherence to speed restrictions, helmet usage, and safe riding practices to protect vulnerable pedestrians and young riders in busy areas. Such outcomes tend to influence public sentiment and shape the ongoing discussion about how best to regulate micro-mobility to ensure safety without stifling legitimate mobility needs.