New Rules for Electric Transport and Couriers

The Ministry of Transport of Russia has developed new amendments to the Traffic Rules aimed at improving safety in the use of personal electric transport and courier services. The document provides for significant restrictions for scooter and bicycle users.

Couriers are proposed to be banned from moving on sidewalks. This change is designed to relieve pedestrian zones and reduce the risk of citizen injuries.

In addition to the ban on movement on sidewalks, strict rules are introduced for individual mobility devices (IMDs). Riding electric scooters and bicycles two-up is prohibited. A weight limit is also set: devices weighing more than 35 kg are not allowed in pedestrian zones.

A category M driver's license will be required to operate certain types of electric transport. This applies to devices exceeding certain technical specifications.

The proposed measures are aimed at organizing traffic in cities. Regulators believe that current norms do not provide sufficient protection for both IMD drivers and pedestrians.

New rules may affect courier logistics and city dwellers' habits. It is expected that the introduction of category M will require additional training and exams from users.