The Ministry of Transport may equate electric scooter users with drivers

The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation has prepared a draft of amendments to the traffic regulations, equating users of electric scooters and other means of individual mobility (SIM) to drivers of vehicles. This was reported on March 11 by RIA Novosti.

The ministry said that with the changes in traffic regulations, the SIM user will qualify as a driver of a vehicle and bear the appropriate duties and responsibilities. At the same time, the project provides for a clear distinction between SIM, bicycles and mopeds.

In addition, it is proposed to prohibit the movement of more than one person on the SIM, regardless of the design of the device. Additional SIM movement parameters have also been defined to enhance pedestrian priority. For example, it is proposed to limit the speed of devices to 10 km/h when approaching pedestrians.

"Traffic will be more strictly regulated in places where pedestrians may suddenly appear (arches, corners of buildings), which will ensure safety for such road users. It is also prohibited to require pedestrians to skip the SIM, including by giving an audible signal," the Ministry of Transport added.

And they're sixteen years old: kickshare operators are changing the rules

Authorities and business find consensus on age of SIM drivers

On February 26, it was reported that the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation considers it necessary to introduce age restrictions on the use of personal mobility equipment (SIM), including electric scooters. Vladimir Lugovenko, deputy director of the Department of State Policy in the field of automobile and urban passenger transport, reported in November last year that the Ministry of Transport is preparing changes to traffic regulations, according to which the minimum age for driving a SIM will be raised from 14 to 16 years.

On February 10, it became known that from the opening of the 2025 rental season, electric scooters and bicycles in Moscow will need to be verified on the portal. mos.ru , where an account will be required. The innovation will exclude access to rental services for personal mobility equipment for children and teenagers: they can only be rented from the age of 18.