Back
Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The widespread use of e-scooters and other types of light personal electric transport requires clear rules—for the safety of all road users. A corresponding bill is already in the Verkhovna Rada.
Which bill is this about The ministry reminded that people are increasingly using the following to get around Ukrainian cities: e-scooters; unicycles; hoverboards; segways; electric bicycles; other types of personal light electric transport. "Such transport is affordable, mobile, and convenient for short trips," the agency acknowledged. At the same time, it noted that its spread requires clear and understandable traffic rules "that take into account the interests and safety of all road users." That is why members of parliament (including members of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure) developed draft law No. 3023. Use of electric transport requires new rules (infographic: facebook.com/Ministry.for.infrastructure) It foresees amendments to certain legislative acts to improve regulation of relations in the field of ensuring the safety of specific categories of road users (users of personal light electric transport, cyclists, and pedestrians). In the first reading (as a basis) parliament adopted this document back on 4 September 2020, but the comparative table (for the second reading) was provided on 23 June 2026. Excerpt from draft law card No. 3023 (screenshot: itd.rada.gov.ua) The Ministry of Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport emphasized that it also supports this initiative. Why Ukrainians need new rules First Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach reminded that "e-scooters and other light electric transport have already become part of urban mobility." "Our task is not to limit people’s ability to use such transport, but to establish clear rules under which all road users understand their rights, duties, and responsibilities," he explained. The official noted that this is primarily a safety issue: for users of electric transport themselves; for pedestrians; for cyclists; and for drivers. "Clear regulation will help make movement through cities more predictable and safer," Derkach added. So, in general, the new rules are needed for the following reasons: the number of scooters, unicycles, hoverboards, segways, etc. on the roads is rapidly increasing; the number of road traffic accidents (RTAs) is increasing, especially those involving children on e-scooters; the current rules do not correspond to the context and situation on the roads, and they also do not take into account vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, and others). Why new rules are needed (infographic: facebook.com/Ministry.for.infrastructure) What exactly the bill proposes to change The ministry reported that the bill proposes, first of all, to: define users of personal light electric transport as a separate category of road users; enshrine specific rights and obligations for them; set age requirements for operating such transport; set speed regimes and rules for moving on the road network. In other words, a user of light electric transport will become a full-fledged road user. In addition, the document provides for administrative liability for violations of the Traffic Rules (TR) by users of personal light electric transport. The relevant amendments are proposed to be introduced to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (KUAP). "Thus, not only rules of behavior but also responsibility for their violation should be determined," officials explained to Ukrainians. What will change after the bill is approved (infographic: facebook.com/Ministry.for.infrastructure) Where and how people will be able to ride The bill provides that users of personal light electric transport will be able to travel along with the general traffic flow on: bicycle paths; bicycle lanes; the right edge of the carriageway (road); the shoulder—according to established rules. Separate restrictions—for safety reasons—are provided for high-speed roads. Meanwhile the sidewalk remains a space with priority for pedestrians. Where and how people will be able to ride (infographic: facebook.com/Ministry.for.infrastructure) What will be prohibited According to the ministry, the bill pays special attention to safe operation. Thus, it will be prohibited to use light electric transport: while intoxicated with alcohol; while under the influence of narcotics; under the influence of medications that slow reaction time. Also, while moving, it will be forbidden to use a mobile phone (or other communication devices) while holding it in your hand. In addition, carrying passengers or cargo is prohibited (unless the vehicle’s design allows it). In the dark, in conditions of poor visibility, and outside populated areas, additional requirements are set for marking the vehicle and its user: the vehicle must be equipped with reflectors and a sound signal; the user must wear reflective elements on clothing. "This will allow other road users to notice e-scooters and other means of light electric transport in time," officials explained to citizens. What will be prohibited (infographic: facebook.com/Ministry.for.infrastructure) What will change for rental services A separate block of changes provided by the bill concerns rental services. It states that companies that rent out personal light electric transport must ensure: the technical serviceability of vehicles; their insurance; software speed limitation. "At the same time, the user of rented electric transport will bear personal responsibility for complying with the Traffic Rules," the ministry reminded Ukrainians. What will change for scooter rental businesses (infographic: facebook.com/Ministry.for.infrastructure) Finally, the ministry noted that the proposed changes also concern the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Their goal is to more clearly regulate interaction between different categories of road users and to help reduce accident rates. "Personal light electric transport is already part of modern urban mobility. Therefore, the state’s task is to create clear and predictable rules for its use that will combine the convenience of this type of transport with the safety of all road users," the agency concluded.
Recall that earlier the police explained how to avoid trouble on an e-scooter (which rules are mandatory for riders). In addition, we explained where you cannot ride an e-scooter and how a rider can be punished for violations. Read also about transporting bicycles and scooters on public transport—who and why can be fined.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Нові правила й штрафи: що планують змінити для водіїв електросамокатів і прокату". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: RBC-Ukraine.
