Russia Proposes Treating Powerful E-Scooters Like Mopeds
Russia's Transport Ministry has drafted traffic rule changes that would require a category M licence for e-scooters above 250 W and bar couriers from sidewalks.
Russia's Ministry of Transport has published a draft amendment to the national traffic rules that would put powerful electric scooters and e-bikes on the same footing as mopeds. The text is open for public discussion after more than a year of work.
Under the draft, e-scooters and e-bikes with motors between 250 W and 4 kW would be classed as a "mechanical vehicle". Riders would need a category M licence, the one used for mopeds and scooters.
A new class for personal mobility devices
The term "personal mobility device" (SIM in Russian) would cover e-scooters and e-bikes with a top speed of 25 km/h and a motor of 100 to 250 W. Anyone riding one would be legally a "driver" and would have to follow rules similar to those for motorists: check the device's technical condition before a trip, stop when police ask, and never ride drunk or leave the scene of an accident.
Teenagers under 16 could ride only outside "public areas", meaning streets, embankments, squares and boulevards. The draft also formally bans carrying a passenger. Riders over 16 could use bike paths, cycling zones and carriageways inside residential courtyards. Where a bike lane exists, they could not move onto an ordinary road or avenue.
Couriers and sidewalks
Riding on sidewalks and pedestrian paths would be allowed only where there is no bike lane, with an exception: it would not apply if the device weighs more than 35 kg or is used for commercial delivery of goods. In practice, that keeps delivery couriers off sidewalks.
The draft also allows paid parking for personal mobility devices. Regional authorities could mark spaces with road signs or road markings, and blue markings would mean the parking is paid.
The proposal is still a draft and could change after the public consultation.
Apps worth a look
SUMO: the number puzzleTap the right tiles, add them up, hit the target. Easy to learn, hard to master. Free, for all ages.
Dialo: learn languages by speakingTalk to an AI conversation partner; every sentence comes back corrected and explained in your language. 9 languages, A1 to C2.
ediviewer: read EDI files like documentsOpen EDIFACT and X12 messages, see every segment explained, convert to JSON/XML, export PDF and Excel. Runs locally, no upload.
More from this day
See all →
Fake Samsung Browser Update on Hacked Sites Spreads Android Malware
LG AI Research's EXAONE Nexus Cuts Copyright Vetting Cost 1,000-Fold
US Holds Off on SK Hynix Dalian Expansion Equipment Licence
Sigma FP2 Orders Outstrip Supply on First Day of Pre-Orders
More in: Automotive
See all →
Hyundai to Launch South Korea's First 13m Hydrogen Coach in 2027
Hyundai Motor Group Suspends External AI Tools in Core R&D
BMW to Launch City Driving Assistance in 2027, Starting in Germany
