Yandex Go, a kicksharing service, recently fined a user 100,000 rubles for gifting an electric scooter to a minor. This update comes from RIA Novosti, via the service’s press office. The penalty was issued after an eyewitness photographed three youths riding scooters together, triggering an official review of the device numbers and the timestamps captured in the image.
The press office explained that the verification process centers on the scooter’s serial number and the exact time the photo was taken. The episode illustrates how ride-hailing and shared mobility platforms monitor usage to enforce age limits and promote safe operation, particularly when devices change hands among younger riders.
In Moscow, the reach of kicksharing has grown, and authorities are adopting tighter penalties for minors who operate electric scooters and for adults who transfer custody of personal mobility devices to youths. The enforcement approach now often blends on-site checks with digital evidence collected through city cameras, creating a more interconnected picture of compliance.
Since the start of the year, freelance workers connected with kicksharing networks have assisted in observing scooter use, helping to expand a broader surveillance framework aimed at upholding age restrictions and safety standards. This collaboration highlights how crowdsourced oversight and formal monitoring are increasingly shaping city mobility ecosystems in large North American markets as well as abroad.
Russia has seen other notable incidents involving electric scooters in recent years. A case in St. Petersburg involved a rider who fell from a river embankment, with bicycles used by bystanders to help in the rescue. These events have intensified discussions about rider safety and the responsibilities of service providers to prevent underage access and unsafe riding conditions.
Public opinion about youth mobility and safety continues to influence policy and enforcement decisions. Stakeholders advocate for clear age-verification guidelines, responsible sharing practices, and penalties that deter improper use while preserving legitimate, safe transportation options for adults and families alike. These conversations reflect broader concerns about how cities can balance innovation in shared mobility with the need to protect young riders and ensure responsible service provision.