Yandex has proposed a set of new regulations aimed at enhancing the safety and comfort of scooter rentals across Russian cities. This initiative comes as the popularity of scooters has surged, with the Association of Micro-mobility reporting a 30% increase in trips in 2024, totaling 271.8 million. Notably, over 85% of these trips are made for transportation rather than recreational purposes.
The company’s recommendations will be directed to both market players and regional authorities, as it seeks to address the growing demand for individual mobility solutions. As urban infrastructure gradually adapts to accommodate these mobility tools, full integration is expected to take years. Currently, most incidents—60% of them—occur at the intersections of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated lanes and paths.
To combat these challenges, Yandex has outlined four mandatory conditions for the operation of scooter rentals:
1. Limiting the Number of Scooters: Yandex suggests that the total number of scooters from all operators in each city should not exceed a predetermined limit. This measure aims to alleviate congestion on sidewalks and enhance the overall orderliness of urban environments.
2. Reducing Maximum Speed: The proposed maximum speed for scooters is set at 20 km/h. This speed limit is intended to prevent accidents on sidewalks until dedicated infrastructure is established.
3. Mandatory Fines for Violations: Yandex advocates for strict penalties for serious infractions. For instance, riding scooters while intoxicated, carrying passengers, or allowing minors to operate them would incur fines. To enforce these rules, the company recommends equipping scooters with enlarged identification numbers that city cameras can easily read.
4. User Verification Systems: Implementing age verification systems, such as through the Gosuslugi portal, is also on Yandex's agenda. In Moscow, a pilot program using the Mos ID portal has already been successful in preventing access to scooter rentals for 17,000 minors.
These proposals come amid growing concerns about safety, as recent statistics revealed that there were 3,897 road accidents involving individual mobility vehicles (SIM) in 2024, marking a 47.2% increase from the previous year. Tragically, these incidents resulted in 44 fatalities and over 4,000 injuries, with more than a third occurring on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones.
In light of these alarming figures, Yandex’s recommendations are timely and reflect a broader push for enhanced regulations in the rapidly evolving micromobility sector. The company plans to present its ideas to market stakeholders and regional authorities for consideration.
Additionally, in March, the Federation Council Committee proposed legislation that would require electric scooter owners to obtain driver's licenses. This requirement would enable individuals aged 16 and older to operate scooters with an engine power of up to 0.25 kW. For scooters with higher power outputs, they would fall under the categories of mopeds and motorcycles.
As cities continue to adapt to the influx of scooters and other SIM, the focus on safety and regulation is more crucial than ever. Yandex’s initiative represents a proactive approach to ensure that the benefits of micromobility can be enjoyed without compromising public safety.
With these measures, Yandex aims to not only improve the user experience but also to foster a safer environment for all road users. As cities evolve to better accommodate these new forms of transportation, the collaboration between companies like Yandex and local authorities will be essential in shaping the future of urban mobility.
