An experiment on the forced slowing down of rental e-scooters has started in Moscow. The initiative was implemented on July 15 of this year. The results showed a significant decrease in accidents involving drivers of personal mobility devices (PMD).
The area between the Third Ring Road (TTK) and the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) recorded the highest number of accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMD). 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.
For three months, the accident rate with e-scooters in the experimental zone decreased by 48%. Including a 67% decrease in PMD collisions with pedestrians.
MTS Urent also noted a decrease in accidents even inside the TTK, where the speed was not limited.
A combination of measures influenced this, 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 impact 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 the 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 planningto introduce registration of all PMDs in a unified register, mandatory stopping of e-scooter drivers at the request of the traffic police, and alcohol testing.
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