Electroscooters

2024

A plant for the production of batteries for electric bicycles, scooters and gyro scooters was built in Moscow for ₽100 million

In the special economic zone (SEZ) "Technopolice Moscow" at the site "Pechatniki" completed the construction of a new enterprise for the production of lithium batteries for small electric vehicles. This became known in October 2024. Investments in the project amounted to more than ₽100 million. The plant, built by NPK Simba, will produce batteries for electric bicycles, scooters and gyro scooters. Read more here.

Road cameras in Russia began to fine users of electric scooters. First photos

On June 30, 2024, the first case of automatic detection of traffic violations by an electric scooter user using video surveillance cameras was recorded in Moscow. Read more here

The Ministry of Transport creates a register of electric scooters, in which each device will be assigned a unique number and label

The Ministry of Transport of Russia is starting to create a unified register of personal mobility means (SIM), including electric scooters. According to the plan presented by the department in July 2024, each device will be assigned a unique accounting number and radio frequency tag for identification. Read more here

Electromagnetic guns developed for British police to stop electric scooters

British police have developed a device capable of "shooting" electromagnetic pulses at electronic bicycles and electric scooters. This was reported on May 14, 2024 by the Daily Mail. Read more here.

MTS Yurent presented its own electric scooter

On April 12, 2024, MTS PJSC reported that MTS Urent kishering service presented its own scooter. The model was called "Jurent 2.0." It was designed taking into account the Russian road infrastructure. Read more here.

In Moscow, introduce the identification and rating of users of electric scooters

Electric scooter rental operators Moscow will introduce user identification and rating in their applications. In addition, testing for knowledge of traffic rules will be carried out. This was announced in mid-March 2024 by the Department transport for the Development of Road and Transport Infrastructure of the Russian capital.

It is noted that in order to ensure the safety and comfort of pedestrians in Moscow, they plan to streamline the use of personal mobility and the work of couriers. At the same time, the number of trips on electric scooters and gyro scooters is expected to grow from 350 thousand to 750 thousand per day, which is comparable to the operation of a full-fledged metro line.

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Unsplash

As the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport Maxim Liksutov said in an interview with RIA Novosti, in 2024 it is planned to improve the safety of travel using personal mobility equipment. Electric scooter rental operators and the State traffic inspectorate will take part in the work. Thanks to the introduction of user identification and rating, operators will be able to identify those who travel outside the rules and block such users.

In the 2024 bike rental season, the number of next-generation electric powerless bicycles will increase. In particular, according to Liksutov, the park will be replenished with an improved model of an electric bike 2.0 with a larger battery, anti-rolling wheels and other innovations aimed at improving safety and comfort. 3,000 such bicycles will be available in the capital. In addition, it is planned to organize the production of a fully Russian electric bike. It is noted that as of the beginning of 2024, more than 500 kilometers of bicycle infrastructure are provided for cyclists and scooter users in Moscow - this is two-thirds more than in 2020.^[1]

In Moscow, an apartment burned down due to an electric scooter. Two died

On February 20, 2024, the Russian Emergencies Ministry reported that in Moscow, due to an electric scooter fire, a strong fire occurred in an apartment on Linear Passage in Timiryazevsky District. As a result, two people died, and another was seriously injured.

It is said that an apartment with an area of ​ ​ 35 square meters was burning in the north of the capital. According to the preliminary version, the fire occurred due to the batteries of the electric scooter, which ignited during charging. Despite the efforts of several dozen firefighters, the fire completely destroyed the dwelling - everything burned to concrete.

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Telegram channel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

Two people suffocated in acrid smoke, one was injured - it was handed over to doctors. Another 17 residents were rescued by firefighters of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. 52 specialists and 14 pieces of equipment worked on the spot, the ministry said.

On the fact of the death of two people, the Koptevsky interdistrict investigation department of the Investigation Department for the Northern Administrative District is conducting a pre-investigation check. It is clarified that after the elimination of the fire in the apartment, the body of a man was found, and in the stairwell - the body of a woman with signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, signs of poisoning with combustion products were detected in two residents of an apartment building.

Investigators examine the scene of the incident, conduct verification measures aimed at establishing a complete picture of what happened. In the near future, a number of examinations will be appointed, including fire-technical and forensic, - said the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.

It is known that the victims of the fire were a man born in 1941 and a woman born in 1943. According to some reports, the burned-out apartment was heavily cluttered. This could prevent the elderly from getting out of the room covered in fire in time.^[2]

The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation obliged the regions to design paths and parking lots for electric scooters

On February 14, 2024, the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation published a draft amendment to the rules for preparing documentation on traffic management. In accordance with the new requirements, the authorities of the subjects will be obliged to design paths and parking lots for electric scooters and other means of individual mobility (SIM).

It is noted that from 2020 to 2023, the total number of SIM in Russia increased fivefold, and the number of trips using such vehicles provided for short-term rent jumped 12 times. At the beginning of 2023, the number of SIMs at the box office reached 192 thousand, including about 40 thousand in Moscow. Approximately 540 thousand were sold in retail from 2020 to 2022. SIM. Thus, the total number of operated vehicles of this category in the Russian Federation exceeded 750 thousand (excluding those purchased before 2019). At the same time, the accident rate with electric scooters is growing: for the nine months of 2023, the increase in road accidents amounted to 215% (2647 incidents) compared to the same period of the previous year, and the death toll rose by 63% to 31 people. Because of this, it is necessary to make changes to the current rules.

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Pixabay

As part of the preparation of traffic management projects, it is proposed to include measures to organize the movement of cyclists and SIM, the placement of infrastructure facilities for such movement (bicycle and bicycle paths, bicycle lanes). It is assumed that this will ensure the development of infrastructure for SIM and improve the quality of conditions for their movement on roads and streets, which will improve road safety and efficiency.

Market participants in general support the initiative. However, it is said that in many regions the situation with roads and sidewalks is deplorable, and therefore they "will build the bicycle infrastructure according to the residual principle."^[3]

2023

Growth in the volume of the Russian e-scooter rental market by 67.5% to 22.3 billion rubles

In 2023, the volume of the Russian e-scooter rental market reached 22.3 billion rubles. This is 67.5% more compared to 2022, when expenses in the area under consideration were estimated at 13.3 billion rubles. Such data are provided in the material of the Trushering project and the Cut research bureau, which TAdviser got acquainted with in early December 2024.

It is noted that the kicksharing sector in Russia continues to actively develop. All key indicators demonstrate growth - revenue, user numbers, fleet size and number of trips. In particular, the total number of electric scooters by the end of the 2023 season reached 332.4 thousand units. The number of trips on an annualized basis jumped by 104.5% to 211.7 million. The total length of routes is recorded at 571.6 million kilometers. At the same time, the average amount, length and duration of the trip decrease against the background of an increase in the total number of flights. This, according to the authors of the study, indicates an increase in the share of transport trips (85%) and a decrease in the share of recreational trips (15%).

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Freepik

The largest players in the Russian kicksharing market are Whoosh, MTS Jurent and Yandex. Their combined share in 2023 is estimated at 96.7%. Moreover, the positions of companies continue to strengthen: in 2021, the total share was 90.6%, in 2022 - 93.7%. The share of these players in the market revenue is 96.84%, by users - 95.23%, by travel - 98.15%. The top three account for 96.84% of the total fleet of electric scooters.

According to the State Traffic Inspectorate, as a result of accidents involving personal mobility means (SIM) for 9 months of 2023, 31 people died, three of whom were minors under the age of 16. 2723 road accident participants were injured, including 919 children under 16 years old. At the end of 9 months, the death toll increased by 63.2%, and injuries increased by 213% compared to the previous year. At the same time, 30 people at the time of the fatal accident themselves moved on the device. Seven fatal accidents occurred in cases when another transport hit a SIM, which was moving in the same direction along the edge of the roadway.

The stereotype that scooter drivers threaten the lives of pedestrians the most is greatly exaggerated. Even taking into account the increased number of trips, this [2023] year only one person who died in an accident with SIM was a pedestrian, the study said.

According to estimates, in Russia the total number of registered accounts on kicksharing platforms in 2023 amounted to approximately 48.2 million, exceeding the indicators of 2022 by 41.8%. At the same time, the number of unique users on an annualized basis rose by 35.5%, reaching 21 million people. In the cities of presence of kicksharing, the number of scooters in 2023 is estimated at 4.4 units per 1000 inhabitants against 2.5 units per 1000 people in 2022. The number of scooters per 1000 residents of Russia as a whole increased over the year from 1.3 to 2.3.

Several key factors are identified that stimulate the development of the kicksharing market in Russia. From the point of view of social organization, the advantage of electric scooters is their accessibility and mobility, improving the quality of life and physical health of users. The advantage is that electric scooters solve the problem of traffic congestion and speed up movement at high traffic density, as well as save time in the event of traffic jams. Economically, lower maintenance costs stand out compared to other species. transport^[4]

Batteries in bicycles and electric scooters are the main cause of fires in New York

Lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles, electric scooters and other means of individual mobility (such as, for example, a monocycle) became the main cause of fires in New York. This is stated in the report of the Fire Department of New York, which was released in early March 2024. Read more here.

Yandex presented an electric bike for couriers

Yandex on November 16, 2023 showed an electric bike of its own design. It is designed for couriers and is designed to make the delivery process more comfortable, faster and safer. When creating the bike, Yandex took into account the wishes of couriers collaborating with Yandex.Eda and Deliveri. Read more here.

The number of accidents with electric scooters in Russia increased by 215%

In January-September 2023, 2,640 road accidents involving electric scooters and personal mobility equipment (SIM) were registered in Russia, which is 215% more than in the same period in 2022. The death toll in such accidents increased by 63.2%, to 31 people. 2.72 thousand people were injured (+ 213%), including 919 children under the age of 16. 26% of incidents occurred on sidewalks, footpaths, pedestrian zones, another 22.8% - at regulated pedestrian crossings. Such statistics in early November 2023 were published by the Scientific Center for Road Safety (NC BDD) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.

According to Kommersant, citing data from the center, for the nine months of 2023, 665 accidents involving SIM occurred in Moscow, which is 235% more than a year ago. The Russian capital leads in the number of such accidents. Next are the Tyumen region (184 incidents for the 2023 season, + 308%), St. Petersburg (172, + 48%) and the Nizhny Novgorod region (123, + 215%).

For nine months of 2023, 2640 accidents with electric scooters and SIM were registered

The leader in the number of deaths in an accident was St. Petersburg, in which four such incidents occurred. The remaining regions have one or two deaths each since the beginning of the year.

In one of the accidents, which was not listed in the review of the Scientific Center for Road Safety, two people were killed moving on the same electric scooter, which violates the rules of the road.

It is noted that the accident rate of private and rolling SIM is almost equal - 47.3% and 51.8%, respectively. And in some cases, the belonging of the electric scooter could not be established, because its driver quickly left the scene of the accident. Fatal accidents in January-September 2023 occurred much more often with SIM belonging to an individual - 20 out of 31.^[5]

Cameras have appeared in Moscow that reveal violations of the rules of riding electric scooters

Road cameras have appeared in Moscow that detect traffic violations on personal mobility equipment (SIM; these include electric scooters, among others). On October 18, 2023, the press service of the Moscow Department of Transport told about the innovations in the city . Read more here.

Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation creates a platform for controlling the speed of electric scooters

The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation has developed online platforms for controlling the speed of electric scooters. The department reported this in the corresponding draft government decree, which was published in October 2023. The basis of this platform is the ERA-GLONASS state system. Read more here.

More than 7 thousand accounts of traffic violators on electric scooters were blocked in Moscow

Since the beginning of the season, more than 7 thousand accounts of violators of traffic rules (SDA) on electric scooters have been blocked in Moscow. This was announced on July 31, 2023 by the press service of the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Transport Infrastructure Development. Read more here.

The ERA-GLONASS system is being tested to improve the safety of electric scooters

An experiment on connecting electric scooters to the ERA-GLONASS state information system has started in Moscow. Testing is carried out with the participation of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, the Moscow Department of Transport, the Moscow data center, GLONASS JSC, NIIMA Progress JSC and IT Reserve JSC. GLONASS JSC announced this on July 3, 2023. Read more here.

In Moscow, inspectors on electric scooters began checking real estate

In May 2023, employees of the State Inspectorate for Control over the Use of Real Estate in Moscow began to use electric scooters during their inspections. Thanks to such transport, inspectors can increase efficiency, increase coverage of the territory and reduce the time for control, according to the website of the mayor of the capital. Read more here.

The demand for electric scooters in Russia has grown 2.5 times over the year

Tightening traffic rules for electric scooters did not reduce user interest in them: with the beginning of the rental season, demand for rent increased 2.5 times in large cities compared to 2022. MegaFon specialists came to such conclusions after analyzing the data on downloading kicksharing applications. The company announced this on May 4, 2023.

The most active distribution of kicksharing services is demonstrated in the Central Federal District, here their audience has tripled compared to 2022. Further in the top of the North-West and Volga districts, where the number of users has doubled. Among cities, the greatest dynamics was shown, Tula where demand increased 11 times, - Kislovodsk 10 times and - Kazan 9 times.

Residents of the Siberian Federal District are in no hurry to start the season - there is a decrease of 16% compared to 2022.

During the warm season, residents of major cities see electric scooters as an affordable alternative to taxis, car sharing and personal cars. The most active users of personal mobility rental services live in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. These are mainly people aged 25 to 35, their share of the total number of users of electric scooters is 47%. At the same time, in 2022, the number of users in the age group over 50 years old increased significantly - by 84%.

Electric scooter rental services banned in Paris

In early April 2023, it became known that in Paris it was introducing a ban on the rental of electric scooters. This is explained by the desire of local authorities to improve safety on the streets and roads of the French capital.

Paris was one of the pioneers in the development of electric scooter rental services. City officials sought to promote environmentally friendly forms of personal transportation. There are almost 15,000 similar scooters on the streets of Paris, which are owned by Lime, Dott, Tier, etc. But as the popularity of two-wheelers grew, especially among young people, so did the number of incidents involving them. So, only in 2022, three people were killed in collisions on electric scooters in Paris and 459 were injured of varying severity.

In 2022, three people were killed and 459 injured in clashes on electric scooters in Paris

Scooter users do not comply with traffic rules and regularly violate the ban on driving on sidewalks. Vehicles are also often haphazardly parked or thrown into the River Seine.

It is reported that the decision to ban electric scooters was made following a referendum held on April 2, 2023. Approximately 90% of Parisians voted for this. The ban won 85.77% to 91.77% of the vote in the 20 urban districts that published the results. The new rules will come into force on September 1, 2023.

Anne Hidalg, a French politician and mayor of Paris, said that "scooters have become a source of tension and anxiety for citizens," and therefore their ban will help improve safety in public places. Meanwhile, rental service operators fear that the decision of the Paris authorities will encourage other cities to follow suit. And this will cause enormous financial damage and threaten the ruin of operator companies that own a vast fleet of electric scooters.^[6]

Road cameras in Russia began to identify violations of users of electric scooters

TRAFFIC POLICE implemented To Moscow neuronet in to search for violators on electroscooters and other means of individual mobility (SIM). TASS Alexander Bykov, head of the Moscow State Traffic Inspectorate, spoke about the pilot launch of the new technology in mid-March 2023. More. here

2022

Growth of the Russian market by 64% to 13.3 billion rubles

The volume of the Russian market for electric scooter rental services in 2022 reached 13.3 billion rubles, an increase of 64% compared to 2021. Such data are given in the study of kicksharing services of the publication "Trushering."

According to TASS with reference to this report, in 2022, 103.5 million trips on scooters rented from kicksharing services were made in Russia - the figure compared to the previous year increased by 88%.

At the end of 2022, the price of one ride on a scooter decreased by 21.6% compared to 2021 and amounted to 128.5 rubles. The study notes that the reason for the decrease in cost is a decrease in both the length of travel and the cost of one minute of travel.

The volume of the Russian market for electric scooter rental services for 2022 is estimated at 13.2 billion rubles

At the same time, in 2022, experts noted an increase in the number of users of kicksharing services. The number of unique users of such services in 2022 compared to 2021 increased by 57% and amounted to 15.5 million people.

By the end of 2022, about 40 companies are represented in the kicksharing market, the largest of which are Whoosh, Jurent and Yandex. The share in money of TOP-3 companies in the market in 2022 is estimated at 94% against 91% in 2021.

Whoosh in the total kicksharing revenue in Russia at the end of 2022 took a share of 47%, in the scooter fleet in Russia - 39.1%, in the volume of trips - 50.7%. Jurent, in turn, occupies a share of 44.3% in the Russian scooter park, the study emphasizes.

The fleet of scooters in 2022 increased by 67% compared to the level of 2021 and reached 192 thousand units of equipment, according to the study. According to Trushering forecasts, by 2025 the scooter fleet will grow by 129% with an average annual growth rate of 32% and will reach 439 thousand units.

The main risks in 2022 were the geopolitical situation. It prevented services from developing in foreign markets. In the future, the crisis may lead to a decrease in funding, a decrease in audience and problems with purchases.^[7]

In Russia, limited the speed of electric scooters

The Russian government has changed traffic rules and limited the speed of electric scooters to 25 kilometers per hour. This became known on October 7, 2022.

Now electric scooters, electric skateboards, gyro scooters, segways, monocycles and other similar devices have received a special status - means of individual mobility. You can move on them at a speed of no more than 25 kilometers per hour, - says the website of the Cabinet.

The movement of these funds will be regulated by special road signs. The weight of such an electric vehicle, which moves along the sidewalks, as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths, should not exceed 35 kilograms.

Pedestrians will receive priority while moving with an electric scooter. Drivers of electric vehicles will need to choose the speed of movement, based on the road situation, and when crossing the road - dismounting.

Electric scooters are allowed on the right side of the road if the speed limit there is limited to 60 kilometers per hour and the movement of cyclists is allowed. This can be done for people over 14 years old, provided that the scooter or other device has a braking system and a white and red headlamp.

The government decree does not apply to ordinary scooters and roller skates. People who use them, as before, are equated with pedestrians^[8].

The first electric hyperelectrossamocate is presented

In mid-July 2022, Apollo Scooters unveiled the Apollo Pro electric scooter, which developers say is the world's first hypersamocat. The device uses a pair of 1.2 thousand watt engines, which provides it with 2.4 kW of all-wheel drive power and a maximum speed of 70 km/h. The Apollo Pro is said to combine cutting-edge vehicle, smartphone and IoT technology to offer the most comfortable and safe ride possible. This includes IoT (Internet of Things), smart BMS (Battery Management System), a phone as a display, as well as many other features that make it one of a kind. Read more here.

The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized electric scooters as a vehicle

At the end of March 2022, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized electric scooters as a vehicle. Their owners must now comply with the rules of the road.

The lawsuit was filed by Davit Chepechyan, who became a participant in an accident in Khimki in May 2021. He was driving an SUV that collided with a man on a scooter while turning left. As a result of the accident, the scooter died, on this fact a criminal case was initiated under Part 3 of Art. 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of traffic rules and the operation of vehicles, resulting in the death of a person).

The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized electric scooters as a vehicle. Their owners must now comply with traffic rules

As part of this case, an autotechnical examination was carried out, which attributed the electric scooter to mechanical vehicles. Chepechyan could not achieve the abolition of this qualification.

When he turned to the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Center for Forensic Expertise under the Ministry of Justice, he received an answer that electric scooters develop speeds up to 35 km/h, the effectiveness of their braking systems may vary depending on the model, and therefore they can be a source of danger for pedestrians and users themselves.

Chepechin found it unfair. He indicated in his administrative statement that citizens on rollers or ordinary scooters are equated with pedestrians. According to the applicant, this is unfair. But the Supreme Court disagreed. The representative of the General Prosecutor's Office, who spoke as a defendant in court, explained that the law could not give a complete list of vehicles, but made it possible to classify electric scooters to them due to the speed of their movement.

After the statement of the Supreme Court of Russia on the recognition of electric scooters as vehicles, drivers of some types of this means of transportation will have to take exams for the rights to category "M," said auto lawyer Lev Voropaev. He added that now for non-compliance with traffic rules and drunk driving, violators will be deprived of all categories of rights.^[9]

Technopolice Moscow has developed a new scooter model for urban sharing systems

An updated model of the MiR electric scooter developed at the Moscow Technopolice SEZ will be available to users in 2022. The company of the special economic zone of the capital has created a product focused on import substitution. Investments in the project amounted to about 20 million rubles. This was announced on March 7, 2022 by the Complex of Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations of the Moscow Government, according to Vladimir Efimov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations of the city. Read more here.

2021

Announcement of an electric scooter for moving across large areas

On October 1, 2021, Toyota Motor announced the release of an electric scooter for moving over large areas of C + walk T. The device will go on sale from the company's car dealers and will be offered at rental points. Read more here.

Muscovites themselves will pay for updating scooters in services

On September 23, 2021, it became known that the Moscow Mayor's Office allocated 75 million rubles for the development of electric scooter rental services. We are talking about subsidies intended to renew the fleet of such vehicles. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport Maxim  Liksutov.

According to him, during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, electric scooters along with bicycles have become the main means of transportation for couriers and volunteers, so over the year the rental fleet expanded from 5 to 25 thousand units, and special conditions were in effect for delivery services.

Moscow will allocate 75 million rubles for the development of e-scooter rental services

This year we will continue to develop a culture of sharing and sustainable urban transport. The Moscow government will support electric scooter rental services by providing them with subsidies for further development. The total amount of the subsidy for 2020 to legal entities and individual entrepreneurs providing services for the rental of electric scooters to individuals in the city of Moscow will amount to 75 million rubles, - said the deputy mayor.

Electric scooters perform a transport function: Muscovites make short and long trips on them both inside the Third Transport Ring and between individual areas. Liksutov said that in 2021, users of kicksharing services made more than 6 million trips on electric scooters, which is three times higher than in 2020.

In August 2021, it was reported that over 50 accidents using electric scooters have occurred in Moscow since the beginning of the year. Two people died, 57 were injured. Almost 80% of such accidents occurred at pedestrian crossings, in the courtyards of residential buildings, or when leaving them. Against the background of frequent incidents, the speed of rented electric scooters was limited.^[10]

Ministry of Transport approved the maximum speed of electric scooters

On September 8, 2021, it became known about the final version of the amendments to the traffic rules submitted by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, which introduce rules for the use of electric scooters and other "means of individual mobility" (SIM). The document talks about limiting the speed of SIM on sidewalks, bike paths and roadsides at 25 km/h, while before it was about 20 km/h only when driving along with pedestrians on the sidewalk.

The representative of the Moscow Department of Transport Magomed Kolgaev said that the mayor's office, together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, proposes to go further on all electric scooters imported into the country and produced in Russia to use software that itself will not allow acceleration faster than 25 km/h.

Ministry of Transport approved the maximum speed of electric scooters

The final version of the document retains the permission to move on SIM on the right side of the roadway, if the device has brakes, a sound signal, reflectors and lights. A ban is also introduced on driving on the sidewalk and in the pedestrian zone, where there is no bike path, on SIM heavier than 35 kg.

According to the chairman of the Union of Pedestrians Vladimir Sokolov, SIM should not move outside bike paths, and if there are none, then the user should dismount and drive the device along the sidewalk at the speed of a pedestrian. The construction of bike paths takes a lot of time, and electric scooters are already mass transport, said Magomed Kolgaev.

Earlier, after more frequent cases of hitting pedestrians, the authorities proposed to limit the speed of movement on electric scooters on crowded streets and in parks. Deputies of the Moscow City Duma even proposed to create "black lists" of violators of traffic rules, who will henceforth be prohibited from renting electric scooters.

As Kommersant notes, the authorities of Moscow and St. Petersburg have so far managed to agree with kicksharing operators on the introduction of a software limit on the speed of rolling SIM in parks, but the authorities cannot influence private owners of electric scooters.^[11]

The authorities of St. Petersburg are creating a single platform for controlling the movement of electric scooters

In mid-August 2021, it became known that the authorities of St. Petersburg are creating a single platform for controlling the movement of electric scooters. The service was called "I am on the way," the press service of the city administration said. Read more here.

Explosion of an electric scooter in an apartment in Perm

In mid-August 2021, an electric scooter exploded in the apartment of one of the high-rise buildings in Perm, which was on charge. The explosion smashed the wall and blew out the windows.

The furniture, wallpaper and bed located in the room were also damaged, glass doors broke. There was a local fire that damaged walls and furniture. The entrance was so clouded with smoke that some residents of neighboring apartments decided to leave the building. The consequences of the accident on a mobile phone camera were filmed by the residents of the house.

A fire started in the apartment and the entire stairwell was covered with smoke. People began to evacuate. Who saved the parrot, who saved the cat. I told my daughter to run, too. She was very worried about her, because we live on the 15th floor, and in order for her to leave the house, she had to run through this apartment, "Olga, a 59.ru resident of the house, told the publication.

Explosion of an electric scooter smashed an apartment in Perm

Olga herself was walking with the youngest child on the street during the incident. The eldest daughter called her and said she heard a rumble, as if a closet had fallen somewhere. Later, she saw a man with a towel wound on his face being taken out of the apartment. He was in his underpants and covered in foam, she said.

The residents of the apartment where the scooter exploded first tried to independently cope with the fire - right from the window of the 14th floor they threw out a burning mattress. Firefighters later arrived.

Fortunately, the explosion of an electric scooter in a Perm apartment did not lead to casualties. Firefighters arrived at the call quickly, residents said. The tenant of the premises was hospitalized with 20 percent body burns, and the owners of the apartment do not comment on the situation.

Who lives there, we don't know. They just saw a man with a towel wound on his face being taken out of the apartment. He was in underpants and all in foam, - said a local resident.[12]

The daughter of an ex-minister from Tatarstan died in an accident with an electric scooter

In early July 2021, it became known about the death of Alsu Fardieva, daughter of the former Minister of Energy of Tatarstan Ilshat Fardiev. While riding an electric scooter, she got into an accident in Moscow - a BMW Group driver ran into a woman. Read more here.

Electric scooters will be offered regulation

It is necessary to introduce legislative regulation for movement on electric scooters as soon as possible, said Sergei Mironov, head of the Just Russia faction. At a minimum, speed and age restrictions are needed, as well as compulsory civil liability insurance. Specific legislative amendments "SR" will propose after consultation with experts.

"Electric scooters are a new, fairly fast and dangerous type of transport that is gaining popularity in large cities. With the beginning of the season, several resonant accidents have already occurred, while electric scooters are not even mentioned in the legislation, - notes Sergei Mironov. - The first attempts to regulate are being made in my native St. Petersburg: the authorities agreed with rental companies on speed restrictions and parking places. But this is all at the level of voluntary agreements and recommendations. Obviously, clear norms are needed at the level of federal legislation, protecting both the users of electric scooters themselves and the rest of the participants in the movement. "

The authorities of St. Petersburg agreed with kicksharing companies to limit the maximum speed of electric scooters to 15 km/h. The allowed limit in Moscow is up to 25 km/h, in many cities there are no regulatory norms. Back in 2019, the Ministry of Transport proposed amendments to the traffic rules on "means of individual mobility," which include electric scooters. However, the project was considered unfinished, it was not submitted to the State Duma. Various proposals on the topic were expressed by public and expert organizations, there is no single approach yet. At the same time, the rules of movement for electric scooters have already been adopted in many other countries.

"The nuance is that electric scooters differ in characteristics: some in power are closer to bicycles, some to mopeds," says Sergei Mironov. - I think that for both, separate speed limits are needed, for the permitted age of use. There should also be mandatory insurance for owners and users. We will discuss specific proposals with experts, study world experience, as a result, the Just Russia faction will propose its draft amendments. You should not let the problem take its course, especially on the eve of the summer season. "

According to statistics, in 2020 there were 331 accidents involving personal mobility equipment, six people died. This year there have already been several high-profile incidents in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The speed of rented electric scooters in Moscow is limited to 15 km/h

In May 2021, the speed of rented electric scooters in Moscow was limited to 15 km/h. So far, the limit has been introduced in the city center, according to the press service of the Moscow Department of Transport.

Now, when renting scooters in Sokolniki, VDNKh, Gorky Park, in the central part of the city - in Theatrical Passage and on Bolshaya Lubyanka, the speed will automatically decrease to 15 km/h. The measure will make the streets safer for pedestrians, the agency's Telegram channel says.

By May 21, 2021, restrictions have already been launched on Whoosh scooters, it is not yet known with which other services the department will cooperate.

The speed of rented electric scooters in Moscow was limited to 15 km/h

Whoosh explained that when a scooter hits the "slow zones" approved by Deptrans, the speed automatically decreases smoothly - it will not be possible to increase the speed on its own. Electric scooters in the service are controlled by the system, so it is possible to add restrictions.

According to TASS, the Information Agency of Russia, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma Alexei Shaposhnikov, following the discussion together with the metropolitan authorities, the traffic police in Moscow and the leadership of the largest parks, the authorities will continue to work in several areas - at the federal and city levels. The chairman of the Moscow City Duma added that it is proposed to provide similar measures for bicycles, including electric bicycles, in terms of speed limits and traffic on the sidewalk.

In the Moscow region, the speed of electric scooters, which can be rented in rental services in Krasnogorsk, Odintsovo and Khimki, has previously been limited to 20 km/h. At the same time, there are no federal restrictions on the speed of personal mobility means (SIM) by May 2021.

In May 2021, a meeting was held in St. Petersburg on the regulation of scooter rental services. It was decided to limit the speed to 15 km/h and prohibit parking electric scooters on the path of pedestrians at the metro and stops.^[13]

VKontakte and Citymobil launched an electric scooter rental service on the VKontakte rental social network

Vkontakte On May 18, 2021, the e-scooter rental service "" was launched. With VKontakte rental its help, the user will be able to rent electric scooters in the city, as well as pay for trips to. social networks VKontakte rental was launched by the city mobility service Citymobil together with. VK Read more. here

Sberbank will finance the acquisition of 17,500 electric scooters for the summer season

Sberbank will finance the acquisition of 17,500 electric scooters for the summer season. This was announced on March 17, 2021. As Sberbank Moscow Bank part of the development To Moscow transport of the Mobility as a Service (MaaS or Mobility as a Service) concept, Sberbank opened financing companies CONTROL LEASING worth 400 million to rubles purchase urban electric scooters. More. here

An electric scooter was released, accelerating to 96 km/h

In mid-March 2021, Chinese scooter maker Kaabo unveiled a new foldable electric scooter, the Wolf King, capable of accelerating to 96 km/h thanks to a solid design with full suspension and massive knotted tires. Read more here.

Explosion of an electric scooter in an apartment in Sochi led to the death of a father and son

On the night of March 15, 2021, a fire broke out in a five-story building on Krasnoarmeyskaya Street in Sochi, as a result of which a 43-year-old man and his 13-year-old son died. It is assumed that the cause of the fire was the explosion of an electric scooter.

According to the press service of the  Investigative Committee for the Krasnodar Territory, a 39-year-old woman (the mother of a teenager and the wife of a man who died), who was in the apartment at the time of the fire, was able to get out of it by jumping out of the window. Nothing threatens her life. The apartment is located on the second floor. The area of ​ ​ fire was 20 square meters. m. 40 people and 12 pieces of equipment were involved in extinguishing.

Consequences of a fire in an apartment in Sochi

According to Mash, citing eyewitnesses, the fire there began at about four in the morning on March 15, 2021. At first, the neighbors heard an explosion and thought that something had happened to a violent neighbor who lives on the floor above. But then the smell of smoke appeared and people realized that there was a fire in the building.

According to Vesti Sochi, the dead could have been saved if the fire brigade had arrived at the scene on time. This was prevented by cars parked at the house. An ambulance was also unable to drive up to the building. The injured resident was carried into a medical car in her arms through two yards.

As a possible version of the fire that occurred, the investigation considers a short circuit. According to a TASS source, the Russian Information Agency with emergency services, the closure of the electric scooter on charge could cause a fire.

By March 15, 2021, forensic medical examinations are scheduled. The exact cause and source of fire are being investigated. Verification measures are carried out aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the event. At the end of the check, a procedural decision will be made, the UK said. The Sochi prosecutor's office took control of the investigation.^[14]

2020

The Ministry of Internal Affairs named the death toll in an accident with electric scooters in Russia

In 2019-2020, 10 people died in an accident involving electric scooters in Russia. This was announced on June 8, 2021 by the Scientific Center for Safe Road Traffic Dmitry Mitroshin.

According to him, in 2020, six people died as a result of accidents involving electric scooters, in 2019 - four. In the total mass of accidents, these figures are insignificant, Mitroshin noted.

Ministry of Transport proposed to limit the use of part of electric scooters on sidewalks

He urged to treat the "horror stories" about electric scooters more calmly, since not all of them can accelerate to high speeds and few buy them. According to the head of the Scientific Center for Safe Road Traffic, in a collision between an electric scooter user and a pedestrian, both will suffer "at least equally."

Mitroshin suggested that the owner of the electric scooter would suffer more: "If a pedestrian was hit, he fell, then the owner of SIM [means of individual mobility - approx. TAdviser] continues, roughly speaking, to fly somewhere for some time."

As an example, Mitroshin cited a case when the ballet soloist of the Mariinsky Theater David Zaleev suffered as a result of falling from a scooter and then, according to him, fell into a coma (as later reported in the press service of the theater, he regained consciousness at the end of May 2021).

There will always be marginals and other SIM users will never put themselves in danger because they are trying to adequately west themselves, "he added.

After the incidents with electric scooters became more frequent, the authorities of a number of cities, including Moscow, thought about regulating riding them, and the government began to sound proposals for restrictions. Thus, the deputy director of the department of state policy in the field of automobile and city passenger transport Ministry of Transport Vladimir Lugovenko announced the need to prohibit driving on sidewalks on electric scooters heavier than 35 kg.^[15]

Violators on electric scooters in Russia began to be deprived of their driver's license

As it became known on October 15, 2020, the driver's license began to be taken from violators on electric scooters in Russia. Thus, the magistrate's court of judicial district No. 4 in the Vakhitovsky district of Kazan found Rustem Khairutdinov guilty under Part 1 of Art. 12.26 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (failure by the driver to comply with the requirement to undergo a medical examination), fined him 30 thousand rubles, and also deprived him of the right to drive vehicles for a year and a half.

According to Kommersant, the basis for punishment was the traffic police protocol, according to which Rustem Khairutdinov drove a moped with signs of intoxication and hit a child. The defense claims that in fact Khairutdinov was driving an electric scooter, which means that he was not obliged to undergo a medical examination.

Drivers of electric scooters in the Russian Federation began to be deprived of their rights, arrested and punished with compulsory labor

The publication reminds that in traffic rules, an electric scooter with an engine with a power of up to 250 W in the "long-term load" mode up to 250 W is considered a bicycle, up to 4 kW - a moped, more powerful - a motorcycle. That is, when using an electric scooter with a power of over 250 W, a citizen must have a category M driver's license.

According to the newspaper, in the summer in Kazan, inspectors stopped a man on an electric scooter with a capacity of 2.4 Kvt, who had previously been deprived of his rights. The scooter was sent to a special parking lot, and the driver was sentenced to 100 hours of compulsory labor under Part 2 of Art. 12.7 of the Administrative Code (driving a vehicle by a driver deprived of the right to drive). In September 2020, another resident of Kazan on an electric scooter was arrested for 10 days for refusing a medical examination.

Similar court decisions were seen in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Sochi In plan to strengthen control. In, where electric scooters are used by To Moscow about 400 thousand people, the traffic police have not yet applied such a practice, according to a publication dated October 15, 2020.^[16]

Demand for personal electric transport increased in June (positive dynamics: 25% in pieces and 70% in money)

On July 13, 2020, the M.Video-Eldorado group announced an increase in demand for personal electric transport in June 2020. Positive dynamics amounted to 25% in pieces and 70% in money compared to June 2019. 77% of purchased vehicles fell on electric scooters, 22% on gyro scooters and monocycles, another 1% on electric bicycles. The category is gaining popularity among adult users, as an environmentally friendly and mobile alternative to a car or city transport. The main drivers are the expansion of the assortment and use cases, the growing availability and development of urban infrastructure.

The personal electric transport market is becoming massive, and the vehicles themselves are turning from a method of entertainment into a full-fledged element of the urban transport system. As in 2019, the peak of interest in the category fell on June - the demand in M.Video and Eldorado increased by a quarter in pieces and 70% in money. The average check was 18.2 thousand rubles. The five most popular brands in June included IconBIT, Mizar, Tribe, Ninebot by Segway and HIPER.

Electric scooters have become a popular means of transportation among buyers of M.Video and Eldorado, taking 77% of the total number of purchased electric vehicles. In 2019, their share was 60%. This is a type of transport for moving around the city at a speed of up to 25 km/h at a distance of about 20 kilometers on a single charge from. accumulator

The development of the electric scooter segment is facilitated by the expansion of the assortment, the growing availability of technologies and the emergence of modifications that are in demand for various use cases. So, in addition to urban models, Russians were interested in electric scooters with large inflatable wheels for comfortable movement on roads with uneven surfaces and scooters with saddles for sitting. Positive dynamics was also demonstrated by models for children. Their weight is 4-5 kilograms, withstand a load of up to 50 kg and develop speeds of up to 6 km/h, children's models also have a number of functions for safe use.

Among other electromechanical vehicles, about 22% of sales were gyro scooters and unicycle. The demand for gyro scooters is decreasing due to limited functionality and lack of innovation, and the segment itself is becoming a niche. They are purchased mainly as a gift for entertainment in parks for children or adolescents. Monowheels for adult users work on the same principle as gyro scooters, but are distinguished by increased maneuverability and cross-country ability, higher speed and battery capacity. This segment expands the range of more affordable walking models. E-bikes account for about 1% of sales, but this is a promising segment that will be more and more in demand in the coming years.

The Russian electric transport market continues to actively develop and attracts more and more people who want to move along the street faster, but without heavy physical activity and harm to the environment. Users can choose from several modes of transport based on their budget and needs, the main criteria are design and technical characteristics. The most popular mode of transport for July 2020 are electric scooters. They are used for travel to work and in the park, as well as for work purposes, for example, couriers or at facilities where it is necessary to move long distances throughout the day. With the increase in the frequency of use of such vehicles, users began to think more often about safety - the demand for protection kits, lanterns and other accessories is growing, - said Vadim Eremin, head of the Gadgets and Innovations department at the M.Video-Eldorado Group.

YouDrive founders relaunch e-scooter rental service

In early July 2020, the lite electric scooter rental service was launched in Moscow. In the future, it is planned to open it for partners. Read more here.

E-scooter rental service URent raised 150 million rubles

At the end of June 2020, MTS Yurent (URent) raised 150 million rubles of investments that will be used to launch an electric scooter rental service in Moscow and other large cities. Read more here.

Citylink: Sports vehicle sales up 120% in June

Experts Citilink"" recorded an increase in demand for sports vehicles in June. Sales growth in the category compared to the same period in 2019 was 120%. At the same time, 72% of the total volume fell on models with an electric drive. Citylink announced this on June 25, 2020.

The most popular in the category of electric transport were gyro scooters. The second and third places are in electric scooters (sales growth of 4.7 times) and in electric bikes (growth - 3.2 times), respectively.

The average check in the subgroup of gyro scooters amounted to 10,065 rubles. The TOP-5 most popular models for the period included Mizar MZ10CS, Digma GMA TB-105, Mizar MZ6PM, Mizar MZ10CM and Xiaomi Ninebot S.

The average check in the subgroup of electric scooters amounted to 20,415 rubles. Most often, buyers chose the models Mizar Ray Pro (6000mAh), Hiper Stark DX650 (4000mAh), Digma HF6.5-6 (6000mAh), Digma HF8.5-8-ST (7500mAh) and Digma HF8.5-4 (4000mAh).

The average check in the subgroup of electric bikes was about 43,984 rubles. В ТОП-5 – Hiper Engine HE-B51 (8000mAh), Cactus CS-EBIKE-P1_WT (4400mAh), Hoverbot CB-9 Genus (10400mAh), Cactus CS-EBIKE-P1_BK (4400mAh), Hoverbot CB-7 Optimus 2019 (8000mAh).

Despite the growing relevance of electric vehicles, classic sports products (rollers, scooters, bicycles) also remain in demand. At the same time, bicycles are the most popular among them, especially models of the middle price category of the brands Stels, Stinger, Desna.

Even before the end of the self-isolation regime, Russians began to actively purchase sports goods. Several factors contributed to this. Preparation for the warm period of the year and the desire for active pastime in the fresh air, in landscaped urban spaces. Considering modern and classic vehicles as an alternative to public transport for personal and working purposes, "Oleg Pchelnikov, Procurement Director of Citylink, shared. - It is worth noting that classic products, which are more affordable in value, also find their fans. So that buyers can choose the type and model that best fits the lifestyle, we have expanded the range of classic sports transport.

Announcement of Xiaomi Scooter 1S with a range of 30 km

On April 21, 2020, Xiaomi introduced the Scooter 1S electric scooter, the advantages of which included fast folding and a large range. Read more here.

Regulations for driving on means of individual mobility in Russia

On April 20, 2020, the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation presented the regulations for riding monowheels, gyro scooters, electric scooters and other so-called personal mobility means (SIM). Amendments to traffic rules posted by the department on the portal regulation.gov.ru 

The rules prohibit the management of SIM in a state of alcoholic, narcotic or other intoxication, and also require the mandatory use of lights or headlights in the dark. We are talking about standard electric scooter lights or headlights (for users of skateboards or rollers).

The Ministry of Transport presented the rules for riding monowheels and gyro scooters

A norm has been added about the light section of the traffic light informing the driver that a traffic light signal is turned on at the pedestrian crossing to which he turns, allowing a pedestrian crossing. This norm ensures traffic safety in the mode of combining transport and pedestrian flows, the Ministry of Transport said. 

A special sign 3.35 "Movement of persons on personal mobility means is prohibited" is introduced. The speed of SIM users in all cases of combined traffic with pedestrians, as well as in residential areas, bicycle zones and courtyards should not exceed 20 km/h.

People moving on SIM are allowed to cross the road at pedestrian crossings. In this case, their speed should be reduced to the speed at which pedestrians move. These people will also be able to move in the pedestrian zone. These measures are aimed at ensuring the non-stop movement of personal mobility equipment, the department explained.

Lawyers interviewed by RBC call the initiative of the Ministry of Transport reasonable, noting that personal mobility tools are widely used by Russians, but are not legally regulated in traffic rules. By April 21, 2020, users of such vehicles are equated with pedestrians.^[17]

2019

Unicorn announced its closure

In early December 2019, the company Unicorn that was engaged in production electroscooters announced its closure. The start-up spent almost all the money on advertising in and, Facebook but Google it did not produce results. Unicorn also paid the manufacturer an advance, but this money was not enough to buy out the first batch of scooters. More. here

Ministry of Transport presented traffic rules for electric scooters and gyro scooters

In early November 2019, the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation submitted amendments to the Traffic Rules (SDA), which regulate traffic on electric scooters, gyro scooters, motorcycle wheels and sigways.

The agency formulated a new term - "means of individual mobility" (SIM). These include roller skates, scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, electric skateboards, gyro scooters, sigways, monocoles and other similar means, with the exception of bicycles and wheelchairs.

The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation presented amendments to the Rules of the Road (SDA), which regulate traffic on electric scooters, gyro scooters, motorcycle wheels and sigways

In accordance with the bill, only people aged 14 and over can exploit SIM. They are allowed to ride on cycle paths and roadsides at a speed of no more than 60 km/h. Riding on sidewalks is prohibited.

Children under the age of seven are excluded, who are allowed to ride bicycles and SIM on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths in the same direction as pedestrians move. The permitted speed for cyclists and other SIM in such cases will be 20 km/h. At the same time, pedestrians will have an advantage over SIM drivers.

In this case, the SIM should be equipped with an electric motor, a brake, a sound signal, retroreflectors and a white front light. Driving onto the roadway on a gyro scooter or monocycle will be prohibited.

In addition to changes in traffic rules, the Ministry of Transport will develop several road signs: "The movement of persons on personal mobility means is prohibited," "Except persons on personal mobility means" and "Persons on personal mobility means."

The initiative to exclude owners of gyro scooters, electric scooters and other pedestrians is correct, because these vehicles can move at speeds up to 50-80 km/s, Andrei Mukhortikov, deputy head of the Probok.net expert center, told RIA Novosti.^[18]

Mercedes-Benz entered the electric scooter market

In mid-September 2019, Mercedes-Benz entered the electric scooter market, as announced at a car show in Frankfurt. Read more here.

Preparation of rules for the movement of electric scooters and gyro scooters in Russia

At the end of August 2019, the Ministry of Transport of Russia prepared a draft resolution that regulates traffic rules for electric bikes, electric scooters, gyro scooters, segways and monocycles.

According to Interfax, LDPR deputy Yaroslav Nilov proposed to the Minister of Transport of Russia Yevgeny Dietrich and the head of the traffic police Mikhail Chernikov to change the rules of the road, which still took into account electric transport.

Russia has developed traffic rules for electric scooters and gyro scooters

The Ministry of Transport of Russia has currently prepared a draft resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation "On Amendments to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers - the Government of the Russian Federation of October 23, 1993 No. 1090" On Traffic Rules, "aimed, among other things, at regulating the traffic of persons using EMTS, - says Chernikov's response letter addressed to Nilov.

It also says that the Ministry of the Interior "is planned in 2019 to complete a study on determining the administrative and legal status of road users using EMTS."

The Ministry of Internal Affairs previously reported that statistics on road accidents involving electric vehicles are not being conducted, but their growth is of concern.

Alexey Diokin, Acting Head of the Traffic Police Department of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow, believes that explanatory work should be carried out with the owners of electric scooters and gyro scooters, and it is not worth obliging them to wear personal protective equipment ― this should be advisory in nature.

According to the first deputy head of the data center Alexander Khodakov, the owners of scooters, electric scooters and sigways regularly find themselves on the roadway, but responsibility for traffic violations is not actually provided for them. Many drivers struggle to adapt to the behavior of electric scooter owners on the road, he pointed out.^[19]

E-scooters pollute more cars

On August 20, 2019, it became known that electric scooters have a more negative impact on the environment than cars. Scientists from the University of North Carolina (USA) came to this unexpected conclusion.

Recognizing that these vehicles are an ideal alternative for moving around the city, the researchers draw attention to the fact that people have not yet learned how to use them correctly. As a result, the service life is much shorter, and users are forced to buy all new electric scooters. This leads to an increase in production, which creates problems for the environment.

The extraction of aluminum causes huge damage to the environment, around the mines the content of harmful substances in the air, soil and groundwater is overestimated. The same applies to factories. In addition, the delivery of electric scooters, most of which are made in China, is carried out by air or water, which also does not cost without a trace.

The study also looks at the recharging process carried out by special companies, their employees traveling around cities to collect and then take scooters back, resulting in an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere.

As a result, it turns out that the car causes much less damage to nature. However, scientists admit that this issue has not yet been studied in detail and it is too early to draw a final conclusion^[20].

The world's first electric hybrid of a scooter and a bicycle is presented

In early June 2019, according to Bird, the first electric hybrid of a scooter and a bicycle on the market was presented. The new vehicle, called Cruiser, will complement Bird's service fleet, which operates in more than 100 cities in the United States and Europe. Read more here.

Launch of insurance program for drivers of electric vehicles

On July 3, 2019, the M.Video network announced that, in partnership with AlfaStrakhovanie, it had launched an insurance program for drivers of electric vehicles. The complex solution "AlfaSport" protects the life and health of vehicle drivers, the devices themselves from damage and theft, and also provides insurance of civil liability of users. The program is designed for owners of electric scooters, electric bicycles, gyro scooters and monocoles. Read more here.

2018

Growth in sales of small electric vehicles in Russia by 15 times

In piece terms, sales of motor vehicles and small electric vehicles (mopeds, electric scooters, segways, etc.) increased 15 times in Russia in 2018. TAdviser was informed about this on July 19, 2019 in the service GetTransfer.com.

Electric scooters and gyro scooters have become urban commonplace, a little less often you can see monocycles and segways. Gasoline mopeds crowd their electric counterparts, pleasing environmentalists, but sometimes frightening passers-by with the silence of their appearance.

The increase in the number of electric scooters and the emergence of powerful models capable of accelerating to 85 km/h and driving more than 100 km without recharging has already begun to cause concern among regulatory authorities. In early July 2019, the Moscow data center spoke about the need to assign the status of vehicles to scooters and punish their owners for violating traffic rules.

So far, the pilot of the electric scooter is considered a pedestrian, which really seems wrong, especially looking at how he maneuvers at a speed of 60 km/h in the flow of cars and even more so drives along the sidewalk. The same should apply to Segways and monocoles.

The statistics of road accidents with small electric vehicles are already quite obvious - the number of accidents per month is estimated at dozens, the first dead appear. This means that the equipment and their owners need to be brought to order.

In the segment of inexpensive vehicles, even climatic conditions do not prevent Russians from actively switching to the same electric scooters. For a significant part of the year, they will stand at home due to frosts and snow cover, but even a few months of active driving obviously recoup the acquisition costs.

Ford enters e-scooter market

In November 2018, Ford announced the purchase of Spin for $40 million. With this deal, the American auto giant entered the electric scooter market. Read more here.

San Francisco ban

In May 2018, the San Francisco administration banned e-scooter rental services after numerous complaints from city residents.

According to the San Francisco Examiner, citing the San Francisco authorities, companies involved in renting scooters with electric motors have been notified of the need to remove these travel devices from city streets and stop doing this business. The services were given a deadline until June 4, 2018.

San Francisco authorities ban electric scooter rental services

The administration has received about 1,800 complaints related to electric scooters. In them, people point to fast or dangerous driving on sidewalks and parking in the wrong places. About 500 units of such transport were confiscated for improper storage and inappropriate driving on city streets.

By May 2018, San Francisco has three major scooter rental services, Bird, Spin and Lime. Bird alone has about 1,600 devices in the park.

Companies that do not remove electric scooters from the city until June 4 will be fined $100 for each device found. In addition, additional fines and sanctions can be imposed on operators, including a complete ban on work in the city.

San Francisco authorities want not to completely remove electric scooters from the streets, but to regulate the associated market. Rental services will have to receive special permits for a period of 12 months from the SFMTA transport body. The conditions for admission to work in the market are not called.

We can develop innovation, but first of all we need security, "said city prosecutor Dennis Herrera.

SFMTA will track the location of electric scooters by GPS coordinates and assess the impact of such vehicles on the situation in the city. In the first six months after the introduction of restrictions for services, it is planned to allow no more than 1250 scooters into the city. After the pilot program is completed, a decision will be made on the further fate of the electric scooters.^[21]

1917: E-scooters at postmen in Washington

Post Office staff are showing off their new "Autopeds" scooters. Washington, 1917.

Notes