Authorities have shut down and seized all electric scooters from the streets. Video footage available.
Chelyabinsk makes history as the first Russian city to block e-scooters in a criminal investigation for providing poor-quality services.
Investigators believe the e-scooter company management:
- neglected the maintenance of the scooters;
- failed to verify who rented the transportation;
- were unware of the causes of accidents and didn't resolve them;
- didn't inform users about the condition of the scooters, safe usage rules, and potential risks.
In services like Whoosh and "Yandex Go," no single e-scooter appears on the map.
"Investigations are being conducted, over 1,500 e-scooters have been seized for examination. After inspection, the question of whether they can be recognized as physical evidence will be addressed, along with judicial examinations to examine the technical condition of the transportation devices, including the necessary software" - reads the statement from the SKR office in Chelyabinsk.
From May 6, agreements were sent to the services containing the rules for the service, with speed limitations on specific routes, but there has been no reciprocal communication, clarified the press office of Chelyabinsk City Hall.
"Nearly every day, accidents involving scooters occur on the city's streets. We witness blatant disregard for safety regulations and the lack of adherence to previously agreed terms. As of now, we have yet to receive reciprocal communication from the operators. The agreement from their side remains unsigned. Although the document was developed jointly, as we previously announced," said the city administration.
E-Scooter Companies Propose Using "Government Services" to Check Scooter Operators
- In Yekaterinburg, the agreement between the city and services began functioning last summer. The use of e-scooters is currently prohibited in nine parks and squares. Speed limits are imposed on various city routes, with a limit of 10-15 km/h. E-scooter users will be forbidden to park devices at pedestrian crossings and on bridges. In addition, two new zones will be introduced in the city, where e-scooters will be completely prohibited.
- City councilman Denis Khvanchev prepared an initiative that would allow fining e-scooter companies for parking their scooters in unauthorized locations. For example, on lawns or outside designated zones. The fine could range from 30,000 to 100,000 rubles.
As authorities crackdown on e-scooter companies in Chelyabinsk, discussions are underway regarding effective strategies to ensure safety and address parking violations. While regulatory frameworks vary between cities, the importance of collaboration between municipalities, e-scooter companies, and traffic authorities remains crucial in managing the use of these vehicles responsibly.
В сервисах Whoosh и "Яндекс Go" на карте нет ни одного самоката
- Amidst the ongoing investigations into e-scooter companies in Chelyabinsk, general news outlets are reporting on the seizure of over 1,500 e-scooters for examination, as the city aims to address concerns about poor maintenance, unverified rentals, and potential risks to user health and wellness.
- In the realms of crime and justice, city councilman Denis Khvanchev in Yekaterinburg has proposed fines for e-scooter companies that park their scooters in unauthorized locations, such as on lawns or outside designated zones, in an effort to ensure adherence to health-and-wellness, traffic, and parking regulations.
- As the medical-condition risks associated with e-scooter use become more apparent, science and technology publications are exploring the specific challenges and potential solutions for managing the use of e-scooters in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner in various cities, including Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg.
