Traffic fines for self-driving vehicle drivers escalated to a staggering 100,000 rubles for rule violations.
A Third of Ekaterinburg Citizens Cruise on E-Scooters Daily, Yet Safety Concerns Remain
E-scooters have become a popular transportation option for many Ekaterinburg residents, with over 6 million trips made last season using one of the major kick-scooter companies. However, a small percentage of rides involve violations, leading to safety concerns.
Ekaterinburg tops the list for scooter trips per resident among all Russian cities, making them an integral part of the city's transportation system. Scooters help alleviate the overcrowding issues on public transport during peak hours.
Despite the benefits, incidents involving scooters can result in severe consequences, similar to car accidents. Last year, there was one fatality and over a hundred injuries of varying severity. Scooters frequently ride on sidewalks, exacerbating the issue.
Currently, there are zones in the city where scooters are banned, such as parks and squares. Children under 18 and users of all ages are also prohibited from riding double on one scooter. Those breaking these rules can face significant fines, ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 rubles.
In a survey conducted by the mayor's office, 30% of respondents supported a complete ban on scooters, while 70% advocated for more stringent riding rules. No one finds the current situation acceptable.
Last year, there were 159 traffic accidents involving electric scooters in Yekaterinburg, with injuries and one fatality. Most of the riders involved were children. Roman Yarish, Head of the Road Safety Department of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in Yekaterinburg, stated, "Children renting scooters at a young age, without understanding the responsibility involved, and not knowing the rules of the road or the concept of dismounting, are often the ones getting hurt."
To address these issues, companies like Yandex Go and MTS Yurent are taking measures to improve safety. Yandex Go, for example, has equipped all scooters with readable numbers on the frames to detect and record violations more frequently. They have also increased their team of scouts to monitor the city, ensure scooters are parked correctly, and record violations.
These companies are also working on introducing speed limits and designated areas for scooter usage. Moreover, they are taking steps to prevent minors from accessing the service.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the regulatory landscape for e-scooter usage is still developing, with operators seeking standardization. The absence of explicit penalty frameworks indicates that current rules may rely on general traffic laws. Future legislative action may follow these proposals to ensure a safer city for both scooter riders and pedestrians.
In the meantime, residents can expect to see more safety measures being implemented, as everyone strives to make e-scooters a safe and efficient transportation option in Ekaterinburg.
I'm not sure about the specific regulations for 2025, but it is evident that the safety concerns surrounding scooters, especially among children, are especially severe in Ekaterinburg. The finance industry and transportation sector might need to collaborate to address these issues, possibly through stricter regulations, speed limits, and designated areas for scooter use. In addition, the industry could consider preventative measures like requiring minors to present proof of age before using scooters and increasing fines for violations.
