In Russia, couriers who deliver orders on vehicles with an engine power of 0.25 to 4 kW (including electric bicycles) may be required to obtain a category "M" driver's license. This was announced by the head of the Duma Committee on Transport, Yevgeny Moskvichev.
The bill was prepared by State Duma deputy Pavel Fedyaev. However, before submitting the initiative to the federal level, its authors want to know the opinion of regional authorities.
Increase in Accidents with Electric Bicycles
According to the Scientific Center for Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, from January to August 2025, more than 1,880 accidents occurred with electric bicycles. 41 people died in them, and another 1,911 were injured. At the same time, almost 39% of accident participants were couriers.
Ksenia Erdman, Director of the Association of Micromobility Operators, said that couriers most often use electric bicycles with an engine power of over 0.25 kW. They strive to deliver the order faster, so they move at high speed, the expert noted.
If a new bill is adopted in Russia, the same rules will apply to electric bicycle drivers as to moped drivers. According to traffic rules, they must move along the right edge of the roadway or along the bicycle lane, Erdman added.
Outflow of Migrants from the Delivery Sector
Currently, many migrants in the country who do not have a driver's license go to work in the delivery service. According to Erdman, with the introduction of new requirements, they will have to undergo training at a driving school.
However, this is an "very difficult contingent," since many have problems with the Russian language, said Dmitry Bolotnikov, director of the Koleso driving school. It will be unprofitable to work with migrants, he is sure. These difficulties may lead to an outflow of foreigners from the delivery sector.
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- Rules of the northern capital: couriers in St. Petersburg will be restricted from moving on electric scooters
