The draft law introduces administrative liability for users of personal light electric vehicles
The Verkhovna Rada is working on draft law No. 3023, which aims to legally define the status of e-scooter, unicycle, and hoverboard riders as full-fledged road users. The document provides for clear traffic rules, speed limits, and a system of administrative penalties for traffic violations. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Ірина Костенко) citing the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
These initiatives aim to improve road safety, where the number of personal mobility devices has increased rapidly in recent years. The relevant ministry emphasizes that existing standards do not account for current challenges associated with the use of e-scooters and e-bikes, which leads to an increase in road traffic accidents.
Traffic regulation and requirements for riders
According to the provisions of the document, electric transport users will be required to follow specific rules, particularly regarding speed limits and age requirements. It is expected that riders will be able to travel on bike lanes, paths, or the right side of the road, while sidewalks will remain a priority zone for pedestrians.
The draft law also introduces a ban on riding under the influence of alcohol or medication that impairs reaction time. Riders will also be prohibited from holding a mobile phone in their hands while riding and from carrying passengers if the vehicle’s design does not allow for it.
Responsibility for businesses and users
A separate section of the initiative concerns rental service companies. Lessors will be required to ensure the proper technical condition of scooters, provide insurance, and install software-based maximum speed limiters.
At the same time, each user will be personally responsible for following traffic rules. During dark hours, riders will be required to use reflective elements on their clothing, while the vehicles themselves must be equipped with horns and appropriate lighting equipment.
Illustrative photo: Dietmar Rabich / CC BY-SA 4.0
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