Proposing Regulation Against Electric Vehicles Parking on Sidewalks
In a growing trend towards sustainable urban mobility, the use of e-scooters has become increasingly popular around the world. However, concerns about safety and traffic regulations have prompted several governments to take action.
In the United Kingdom, each e-scooter is registered with a unique number, and operating one requires a valid driver's license. This move towards regulation aims to ensure the safety of both riders and other road users.
Across the globe, the issue of e-scooter safety has also caught the attention of heads of state. For instance, the President of Kazakhstan recently emphasized the need for stronger control over electric scooters and e-scooters in his latest Address.
In response, the draft law "On the amendment and supplementation of certain laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding the regulation of traffic with new types of vehicles and road safety" is currently under consideration in the chambers of deputies. This draft law proposes new regulations for shared e-scooter companies, bans e-scooter movement on sidewalks, and grants akimats (local administration bodies) the right to set e-scooter operation rules.
The need for these regulations is underscored by the rising number of accidents involving e-scooters. This year alone, over 360 accidents involving e-scooters have been reported, and approximately 29,000 traffic violations involving e-scooters have been detected in Kazakhstan since the beginning of 2025. As a result, around 8,000 e-scooter vehicles have been impounded in Kazakhstan.
The Government of Kazakhstan is expected to adopt a conclusion on the matter of e-scooter regulation today. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to expedite the advancement of relevant legislative amendments.
The draft law also aims to ensure road safety for e-scooter users. This is a welcome development, given that Paris and Madrid have already banned e-scooter rentals, with Paris set to allow only personal devices from September 2023, and Madrid enforcing a ban since October 2022.
As the use of e-scooters continues to grow, it is clear that careful regulation and safety measures are essential to ensure the safety of all road users. The examples set by the UK and Kazakhstan serve as a model for other countries to follow in their efforts to balance the benefits of e-scooters with the need for safety and traffic control.
