Moscow has launched an experiment to forcibly slow down rental e-scooters. The initiative was implemented on July 15 this year. The results showed a significant decrease in accidents involving drivers of personal mobility devices (PMDs).
The area between the Third Ring Road (TTR) and the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) recorded the highest number of accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMDs). Their speed was limited to 20 km/h. In other areas of the city, the speed limit remained the same — 25 km/h. In parks, squares, and other "slow" zones, the speed is limited to 5–15 km/h.
Over three months, the accident rate involving e-scooters in the experimental zone decreased by 48%. This includes a 67% reduction in PMD collisions with pedestrians.
MTS Urent also noted a decrease in accidents even within the TTR, where the speed was not limited.
A combination of measures has had an impact, including training in safe driving rules and increased fines for violations. The development of cycling infrastructure and the creation of new bike lanes have a positive effect on reducing accidents.
However, the head of the "Pedestrian Union," Vladimir Sokolov, expressed doubts about the presented figures. He recalled that accidents involving PMDs in cities have been steadily increasing in recent years. According to data from the Scientific Center for Road Safety (NTS BDD) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 1.8 thousand accidents were registered in the first six months of 2024 — 81.3% more compared to the same period last year.
It is worth noting that the authorities are planning to introduce registration of all PMDs in a unified registry, mandatory stops for e-scooter drivers at the request of the traffic police, and alcohol testing.
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