Russia's E-Scooter Rules Draw Pushback From Operators, Couriers

Operators and couriers object

The Association of Micromobility Operators, whose members include Yandex, MTS Yurent and Whoosh, proposes dropping the category M requirement for couriers. Instead, kick-sharing operators could train riders in the rules of the road. Otherwise, the association warns, some couriers may leave the market and delivery could become slower and more expensive.

Grocery delivery service Kuper noted that large numbers of couriers riding on the carriageway would be dangerous for them and for drivers, because traffic speeds differ sharply. To keep couriers off pavements, it says, dedicated cycle lanes and paths are needed.

Enforcement doubts

Experts question whether the rules can be enforced. The pavement ban applies only to trips made for "commercial purposes", noted Vitaly Gaevsky, a professor at MADI. "How do you prove a courier isn't riding home?" he asked. Experts also point to the lack of a certification system for e-scooters and e-bikes: a manufacturer could declare 249 W for a more powerful motor, and owners can remove speed limiters after purchase.

Children under 16 would be allowed to ride only outside "public areas". Read literally, Gaevsky says, that would exclude even courtyards and parks.

The operators' association also criticised a rule banning parking of such devices outside designated spots. Each site would need its own traffic management plan, and municipalities already struggle for funds, the group warned, proposing a delay to the restrictions.