Electric scooters banned from sidewalks in Kazakhstan's capital

Starting from August 25, the use of electric scooters on sidewalks and pedestrian walkways will be completely banned in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. Tengrinews reported this with reference to the city administration.

According to the new rules, electric scooter drivers will now be required to ride only on bicycle paths. If there are no bicycle paths, they will be allowed to ride on the right edge of the carriageway or on the side of the road.

Strict requirements for riding on the carriageway will remain: the scooter driver must be over 18 years old and have a driver's license of any category. The electric scooter must be equipped with a protective helmet and reflective elements at night.

According to the Astana prosecutor's office, the most common violations committed by electric scooter users include riding on the carriageway without a driver's license and speeding. Cases of non-compliance with the requirements when crossing intersections are also common. According to the capital's police, transporting passengers on scooters poses a particular danger.

Scooter rental operators are also tightening control. Starting July 1, the service can only be used by persons registered through the JShSHIR. Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to use the service. Accounts of parents who give their scooters to minors will be blocked. Carrying passengers is also prohibited; there should be no more than one person on an electric scooter.

It is also prohibited to leave a scooter in the middle of the sidewalk, at a pedestrian crossing, on a carriageway or on a bike path. Those who do not follow the rules will be fined and the user's profile will be blocked.