Authorities in Rostov-on-Don consider enforcing a total ban on the lease of electric vehicles within the city center
As Russia expands its infrastructure for electric vehicles, the use of electric scooters in various cities is becoming a topic of local interest. Here's a look at the current state of electric scooter regulations in several Russian cities, based on available information.
Russia's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Electric Scooters
Russia is focusing on developing electric vehicle infrastructure, with plans to install charging stations at gas stations nationwide from 2025 onwards [1]. While this initiative primarily targets electric cars and hybrid vehicles, it indicates an increasing official attention towards electric mobility.
Regulations specific to electric scooters are typically local, with city administrations issuing bylaws defining where scooters can be ridden, speed limits, and restrictions or possible bans in certain areas.
City-Specific Regulations
Rostov-on-Don
Since August 2024, it is prohibited in Rostov-on-Don to leave electric scooters on specific locations such as playgrounds, bike paths, roads, sidewalks, lawns, flower beds, near monuments and dog-walking areas, at bus stops, and underpasses. However, no explicit laws regarding the use of electric scooters have been found in the search results.
Stavropol and Stavropol Region
Electric scooter rentals have been completely banned in two municipalities in the Stavropol region, according to Yuga.ru. In Stavropol, the decision was made not to completely ban electric scooters but to limit their speed using "sleeping policemen."
Gelendzhik, Anapa, Novorossiysk, Sochi, Sirius, Krasnodar, Alexandrovsky Boulevard
Regulations for these cities are likely to be local, with common themes of speed limits, restricted zones (parks, embankments), and potential bans. For example, Gelendzhik has reportedly considered potential bans on electric scooters, though concrete outcomes are not detailed here. Similar restrictions have been implemented in Anapa, on the embankment of Novorossiysk, in several areas of Sochi and Sirius, in parks in Krasnodar, and on Alexandrovsky Boulevard in the city center.
National Regulations
It's important to note that Russia currently does not have unified national legislation specifically regulating electric scooter use akin to those in some Western countries. Instead, this is a growing sector with regulations emerging at the local level. National focus is more on electric car infrastructure development, such as charging stations mandated from 2026 [1].
For precise legal compliance in any city, local municipal orders, traffic police announcements, or city websites must be consulted directly.
In conclusion, while specific regulations for electric scooters vary across Russian cities, common themes include speed limits, restricted zones, and potential bans in certain areas. To ensure compliance with local laws, it's recommended to check the local city transport or municipal administration websites or to contact city authorities for the most current and exact legal requirements.
[1] [Link to source]
- Despite a nationwide focus on developing infrastructure for electric cars and hybrid vehicles, Russia's regulation of electric scooters remains primarily local, with city administrations and municipalities setting their own rules for ride locations, speed limits, and restrictions.
- The growth of electric vehicle use in Russia has led to increased interest in electric scooters, but the regulations for their use can differ significantly from one city to another, making it essential to consult city websites or contact city authorities for the most current and precise legal requirements.
- As Russia moves forward with plans to install charging stations for electric cars and hybrid vehicles at gas stations nationwide from 2025, the focus on electric mobility is providing a path for the eventual development of comprehensive national regulations for electric scooters, though this is not yet a priority.
