Russia's Transport Ministry has published draft changes to road traffic rules for public consultation, including a ban on delivery couriers riding on sidewalks and on two people riding one electric scooter. The proposals also address high-powered electric bicycles and new road signs. The ministry said on November 3 that the consultation would run through November 20.
Under the draft, personal mobility devices would be defined as vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 km/h and motors rated between 100 and 250 watts. Faster and more powerful electric scooters and bicycles would in specified cases fall under moped rules, requiring a category M driving licence. Ordinary users of personal mobility devices would retain limited access to sidewalks where no cycle path or other permitted route exists, but that allowance would not extend to couriers or heavy devices.
The draft would also prohibit carrying two people on a personal mobility device, set a minimum age of 16 for riding on public roads and create signs for areas restricting scooter traffic. The changes are not yet law: they are part of a draft government regulation, not traffic rules already in force.