Age restrictions and fines: Ukraine is drafting new rules for electric scooter users
2 June 15:47
Two new bills,No. 15284 and No. 15283, aimed at regulating the use of small electric vehicles, have been registered in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Bill No. 15284 aims to establish rules for the use of small electric vehicles in Ukraine. These include one-, two-, or three-wheeled mechanical vehicles powered by an electric motor. These include electric scooters, monowheels, electric bicycles, Segways, gyroboards, gyroscooters, and others capable of reaching speeds exceeding 10 km/h.
Features of operating small electric vehicles
According to the document, it is planned to allow small electric vehicles to travel on specially equipped bike lanes, as well as on the far right side of pedestrian zones, sidewalks, and recreational areas. At the same time, users must give way to pedestrians and be as attentive to them as possible.
Small electric vehicles will be permitted to travel within the roadway only on specially designated bike lanes, but will be prohibited from entering the roadway where such bike lanes are absent. It will also be prohibited to ride small electric vehicles across pedestrian crossings. When approaching a crosswalk, the rider must dismount and walk the vehicle across the road.
Speed limits for small electric vehicles
- On bike lanes that are part of the roadway: max 50 km/h.
- On bike lanes adjacent to pedestrian zones: max 10 km/h.
Users are required to wear a helmet, and during hours of darkness or in conditions of poor visibility—reflective vests or elements.
It is prohibited to operate while intoxicated or under the influence of medications that affect attention and reaction time. Operation is prohibited for persons under 16 years of age, and no more than one person is allowed on the vehicle at a time.
Companies that rent out small electric vehicles must ensure speed limits are enforced.
User Responsibility
Bill No. 15283 amends the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses with Article 126-1:
- First offense: a fine of 1,700 hryvnias.
- Second violation: a fine of 3,400 hryvnias with confiscation of the vehicle.
- Third and subsequent violations: a fine of 17,000 hryvnias and one month of community service with confiscation.
Fines for traffic violations by pedestrians, cyclists, horse-drawn vehicles, and drivers are also being revised:
- For failure to obey traffic signals by pedestrians: 340 hryvnias (instead of 51).
- For violations by cyclists and others: 510 hryvnias (instead of 85).
- While intoxicated: 255 hryvnias (instead of 136).
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What is known about accidents involving electric scooters
The number of traffic accidents involving electric scooters in Ukraine is growing every year as this mode of transportation becomes more popular. The most common causes of accidents are speeding, driver inattention, traffic violations, and riding on sidewalks among pedestrians.
According to the patrol police, both private e-scooter users and rental service customers are involved in accidents. The most common incidents include collisions with cars at intersections, hitting pedestrians, and falls due to uneven road surfaces.
Under current regulations, electric scooter users are considered vehicle operators and are required to follow traffic laws. They must ride on bike lanes, and if none are available, on the right side of the roadway or the shoulder.
Road safety experts recommend wearing a protective helmet and using reflective gear, especially when riding at night.
Electric scooter riders are also advised to avoid using their phones while riding and not to carry passengers unless the vehicle is designed for that purpose.
In major Ukrainian cities, local authorities and rental operators periodically impose speed limits in central districts and pedestrian zones to reduce the number of accidents and injuries.
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