Ulan-Ude rolls out stricter e-scooter rules for safer fifth season

Faster isn't always better—this year's e-scooter season slows down for safety. Will stricter rules and patrols finally curb reckless riding?

, and Administrator

2026 March 30 . 11:01 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old black and white photo of a city street in Moscow, Russia. There are people... — The image shows an old black and white photo of a city street in Moscow, Russia. There are people walking on the road, horse carts, buildings with windows, name boards, light poles, trees, and a sky in the background. At the bottom of the image there is text.

Ulan-Ude rolls out stricter e-scooter rules for safer fifth season

Ulan-Ude is set to launch its fifth season of shared electric scooters on April 1. This year, 800 scooters will be available across 410 designated parking spots. The city has also introduced stricter safety measures to protect riders and pedestrians alike. The scooters will operate under updated rules to improve safety. Riders must follow a 15 km/h speed limit in 43 'slow zones' on major streets, including Baltakhinin Street, Tereshkova Street, and 50 Let Oktyabrya Prospect. Scooters automatically reduce speed when entering these areas.

Riding is completely banned in parks and squares, such as Oreshkin Park, Zhanayev Park, and Railway Workers' Park. Violations come with heavy fines—crossing a road without dismounting, for example, costs 1,000 rubles. The service enforces an age limit of 16, stricter than national traffic laws, which allow personal mobility devices from age 14. Last season, the average rider was 28 years old, with most trips lasting around eight minutes. Scooters under 35 kg may be used on sidewalks, but riders must give way to pedestrians or slow to walking speed when approaching them. To further boost safety, the city held 12 training courses last year and plans more for this season. Joint patrols with traffic police will also monitor compliance with the rules.

The new season begins with expanded parking spots and reinforced safety measures. Riders must adhere to speed limits, avoid banned areas, and respect pedestrian priority. Fines and patrols aim to ensure a safer experience for everyone using the shared scooters.