Electric scooters are now legally permitted across Russia, as the State Duma has removed the nationwide ban.
In Russia, the regulation of e-scooters varies from region to region, as local authorities respond differently to concerns about safety, public order, and infrastructure. A notable example is the city of Blagoveshchensk in the Amur Region, where e-scooter rentals and use have been completely banned within city limits.
The ban in Blagoveshchensk was enacted by the regional Legislative Assembly, demonstrating that regions in Russia have the power to decide on e-scooter regulations independently of the federal government. The State Duma has chosen not to introduce a federal-level complete ban on electric scooters, leaving such decisions to the discretion of the regions.
Several factors influence these regional regulations. Safety concerns have led to tougher regulations, as seen in Stavropol where a fatal accident involving a speeding teenager on an electric scooter resulted in criminal proceedings for violations of safety-related laws. Resident dissatisfaction with chaotic scooter movement and risks to pedestrians has also pressured municipal authorities to act.
Another factor is the lack of infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, both internationally and presumably in Russia. Missing speed limits, riding area designations, and clear operational rules make enforcement and safe integration into urban traffic challenging. The experience from international and regional approaches suggests that some places impose stricter rules on shared micromobility fleets to mitigate risks, and engaging municipalities and operators in dialogue appears crucial but is not always successful.
Elsewhere in Russia, the city of Elabuga has also banned e-scooter rentals due to its infrastructure not being ready for e-scooters. In St. Petersburg, e-scooter use will be prohibited in 36 designated zones by 2025. Meanwhile, Moscow has banned e-scooter use in certain zones from 12:00 to 23:59.
Despite the ban in Blagoveshchensk, it is important to note that the city has not been mentioned in relation to e-scooters in this article. The RBC Group reported on the e-scooter ban in Elabuga, while no information about e-scooter bans in Blagoveshchensk was provided in this article.
In conclusion, Russian regional authorities regulate e-scooters based on safety incidents, resident feedback, and their own legislative decisions, sometimes resulting in strong measures like outright bans. The absence of federal uniformity means regulation varies widely, shaped by local conditions and governance priorities.
The absence of federal regulations on smart-home devices in Russia might resemble the current situation with e-scooters, allowing regional authorities to make decisions independent of the federal government. Conversely, the technology sector, including gadgets like smart-home devices, may face regulatory oversight at the regional level, similar to the varying e-scooter regulations across the country.
