Kicksharing services have reduced the maximum speed of scooters on sidewalks in Russia

Since April 17, the speed limit for all electric scooters of kicksharing operators in Russia has been reduced to 20 km/h. This was reported by the companies Yandex Go, MTS Yrent and Whoosh. This is 20% less than the maximum permitted speed of personal mobility equipment (SIM), according to the traffic regulations.

As noted in the companies, the speed reduction will be tested as part of a pilot project at the start of the season. The IoT module installed in each scooter will technically prevent the device from accelerating above 20 km/h.

It is assumed that such restrictions will affect users who, by sudden maneuvers on the sidewalk, create emergency situations and interfere with pedestrians. According to operator statistics, most SIM drivers travel along sidewalks at an average speed of 17-20 km/h, but there are a small number of people who can afford a higher speed limit. Now they will be forced to move at an average speed limit. The share of such users with aggressive driving style is estimated at less than 1% of all.

Plug in the SIM: violators on electric scooters will face serious fines

They plan to punish for speeding and driving together.

The operators recalled the current traffic regulations, according to which, in the absence of a bike path, the movement of the SIM on the sidewalks takes precedence over movement on the right side of the road, that is, the scooter must move along the sidewalk. Bicycles, on the contrary, have priority on the right side of the road before the sidewalk. Therefore, low-power means of individual mobility, according to the law, mostly move with pedestrians.

On March 29, Elena Kosheleva, Director of Sberbank Insurance projects, told Izvestia what to look for when choosing a scooter. So, it is necessary to take into account the technical condition, make sure that the vehicle is working properly. Many rental services offer vehicles with an electronic braking system — this choice will make trips safer due to a more reliable design and rapid deceleration, she noted.