The State Duma has approved in the first reading a bill introducing fines for violations while driving electric scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs).
The decision to create a system of fines was prompted by the increase in road traffic accidents involving PMDs.
Often, the victims of accidents are elderly people and children. Each such incident receives wide public resonance, deputies receive thousands of appeals, and citizens demand increased responsibility for reckless drivers.
The established list of violations includes fines for:
- paired riding on one electric scooter — up to 5 thousand rubles;
- transporting goods or towing with violations — 1 thousand rubles;
- riding on highways — 1 thousand rubles;
- riding on the roadway — from 2 to 2.5 thousand rubles;
- violation of traffic rules — from 2 to 5 thousand rubles;
- causing minor and moderate injuries — from 10 to 15 thousand rubles;
- creating obstacles for pedestrians and crossing the road — from 2 to 2.5 thousand rubles;
- failure to comply with the requirements of police officers to stop — from 500 to 800 rubles;
- Refusal to undergo a sobriety test — from 20 to 30 thousand rubles.
A separate item includes fines for speeding:
- from 5 to 10 km/h — from 500 to 800 rubles;
- from 10—15 km/h — from 2 to 2.5 thousand rubles;
- from 15—20 km/h — from 3 to 3.5 thousand rubles;
- speeding more than 20 km/h — from 4 to 5 thousand rubles.
Specialists from MTS "Urent", Whoosh kicksharing services, as well as Yandex and the "Digital Transport and Logistics" association supported the initiative of government officials. The decision to fine violators was recognized as logical and correct.
It was additionally noted that it is necessary to develop a system of fines not only for clients of electric scooter rental services, but also for private owners. Experts also proposed developing infrastructure for comfortable and safe riding on PMDs, using penalty payments.
It is worth noting that electric scooters are gaining popularity. According to statistics from the Moscow Department of Transport, 35 million trips have been recorded since the beginning of the season. This is 1.5 times more compared to the same period last year. In 85% of cases, users use PMDs for short trips around the city to their home, place of work or recreation.
Today, kicksharing companies are working with electric scooter drivers to reduce the number of traffic violations and educate them about driving culture. Free lessons with practical exercises are held for PMD users. A school for learning to ride electric scooters has also opened in Moscow.
PMD users are encouraged not to neglect simple rules. This includes riding on bike paths, dismounting on the sidewalk, refusing to use an electric scooter in pairs, and observing the permissible speed.
