In a bid to address the escalating concerns over electric scooters and mopeds cluttering Bishkek’s sidewalks, the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, has urged swift action from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Bishkek City Council. The influx of these vehicles has not only instilled fear among pedestrians but has also led to a surge in traffic accidents, some of which have been fatal.
Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, has formally requested the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Mayor of Bishkek to intervene decisively. He emphasized the need for regulations akin to those in other countries, citing that most scooter and moped riders in Bishkek are minors without licenses, evading traffic surveillance.
The unregulated spread of electric scooters, often abandoned on walkways, has transformed Bishkek into a scene reminiscent of cities in Southeast Asia. According to the Patrol Service, the capital has witnessed a significant uptick in scooter and moped accidents this year, with 186 incidents resulting in six fatalities and 207 injuries, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed a ban on electric scooter rentals, attributing rental users as the primary risk contributors. Many rental riders flout speed limits, disregard traffic regulations, and navigate sidewalks and narrow paths recklessly. Authorities have highlighted the negligence of rental companies in maintaining safety standards, exacerbated by the city’s inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the rising scooter population.
A police spokesperson lamented the lack of accountability and adherence to rules in the current scooter landscape. To enhance highway safety, the ministry advocates for mandatory moped registration and the introduction of a new driver’s license category, M1.
Parliamentarians have crafted a bill, now under review by the State Security and National Security Committee, proposing a new classification called the individual mobility device (IMD), mirroring legislation in Russia. The bill mandates registration for IMDs surpassing specified speed and power thresholds, with a special license required for less potent devices from the age of 14.
While the Bishkek city administration supports the Interior Ministry’s initiatives, they underscore the need to renegotiate existing agreements with scooter rental firms to implement the new regulations effectively.
Anton Chipegin, a Bishkek native and seasoned journalist, has been at the forefront of reporting on the city’s evolving transport landscape. His insights shed light on the critical intersection between public safety, urban mobility, and regulatory frameworks as Bishkek grapples with the influx of electric scooters and mopeds.
📰 Related Articles
- Youth-Led Parliament Urges Global Action on Climate Crisis
- European Transport Safety Council Proposes Electric Scooter Safety Reforms
- World Bank Urges Action on Declining Government Health Spending
- TVS Motor to Launch Affordable Electric Scooter Ahead of Festive Season
- St. George Police Address Safety Concerns Over Child Scooter Use