Electric scooters are finally transforming from entertainment into urban transport. In June, their sales on Wildberries increased by 1.5 times, and in some regions, demand for electric models has jumped by 6.5 times since the beginning of the year. The number of personal devices in Russia is already approaching two million.
The main reason is the economics of short trips. You can quickly get to the metro, office, or university by scooter, without spending money on gasoline, parking, or taxis. At the same time, one trip on a rental model already costs about 250–300 rubles, and regular rental costs up to 9 thousand rubles per month.
According to experts' calculations, four to five months of kicksharing cost approximately the same as a mid-range personal device. Budget models start from 12 thousand rubles, but the optimal range for the city is considered to be from 35 to 80 thousand – with normal brakes, moisture protection, and a range of up to 50 kilometers.
However, along with convenience, risks are also growing. Rental services can fine users for riding together, transferring an account to a child, damaging equipment, or riding while intoxicated. In some cases, the amount reaches 100–200 thousand rubles.
Rules will continue to be tightened: cities are expanding slow and forbidden zones, and by 2028, scooters are planned to be registered and equipped with license plates. They have already become a cheap alternative to cars, but they have ceased to be a carefree toy.