"Personal Transportation Device": Scooters in Urban Traffic
How to Navigate the City on a Scooter?
In simple terms, according to traffic regulations, a traditional scooter is treated like a pedestrian. However, an electric scooter is almost considered a low-speed vehicle. What’s the difference? Let us explain.
The introduction of wheeled devices for personal transportation, which are not bicycles, has caused quite a stir in traffic regulations. This includes skateboards, rollerblades, segways, and urban scooters. The law aims to protect pedestrians, but this status also applies to individuals using scooters.
Herein lies a paradox: individuals on traditional scooters often use bike paths, traveling at speeds greater than pedestrians and close to those of cyclists. Meanwhile, the law stipulates that a person on a scooter moving at pedestrian speed should use the sidewalk. This is not always well-received by pedestrians, especially since adult users often travel faster on scooters than they would on foot.
For now, "device" is the best legal term for a scooter. But this is just the beginning.
Absurd Regulations
It's clear that scooters cannot be used on the roadway since they are not considered vehicles under the law. They are regarded as devices meant for recreation and sports, with stunt scooters being a prime example, intended for use off public roads. Since a person riding a scooter is not a vehicle driver, they must follow pedestrian rules: they are required to use the sidewalk or pedestrian path, and if unavailable, the roadside. If there is no roadside or it is temporarily inaccessible, a pedestrian (and paradoxically, a person on a scooter) may use the roadway. In such cases, they must stay as close to the edge of the road as possible and yield to oncoming vehicles when necessary. Pedestrians may use the bike path when there is no sidewalk or roadside, or if they cannot use them. Therefore, if you move faster than a pedestrian on a scooter, you are technically breaking the law, whether on the sidewalk or the bike path.
Legal challenges also arise with electric scooters, which are not classified as vehicles under the law, yet they can be used to travel faster than walking and by minors. Interestingly, these devices are increasingly used in large cities as a supplement to public transport due to their mobility (even more so than city bikes, thanks to their compact size), cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Unfortunately, they have been a headache for lawmakers for quite some time.
Loophole in Regulations
Back in 2017, there was a proposal to introduce the term "personal transportation devices" into the regulations. This would allow users of these devices—both those powered by muscle and those equipped with an electric motor that limits speed to 25 km/h and width not exceeding 90 cm—to use bike paths, among other things. However, the proposal stalled. The amendment to the law introduced the term "pedestrian using a personal transportation device," who was supposed to move only on bike paths. However, it was decided that, in conjunction with other provisions and pedestrian rights, introducing such a classification would allow, among other things, for the use of scooters or segways while intoxicated. There were also concerns about labeling this equipment in accordance with vehicle regulations (which they are not), including their visibility to other users. It's worth noting that these restrictions do not apply in residential zones, where users of devices like scooters can move across the entire width of the road and sidewalk.
It could be argued that currently, devices like scooters are at odds with traffic laws. Even police representatives struggle to find the proper designation for them. Due to the lack of legal standards, a scooter is sometimes even referred to as a toy. However, this "toy" is becoming increasingly popular year by year, especially during the summer and holiday seasons.
Today's Solution
What is the solution for now? Accept and adapt to the current legal state. A person using a scooter, according to Article 2, point 18 of the "Traffic Law," is treated as a pedestrian. Therefore, in practice, the use of a scooter should be such that it does not pose a threat to oneself or other road users, respecting both pedestrian and vehicle driver regulations. Along with this, it is essential to remember personal safety by purchasing protective gear such as pads and helmets, as well as considering the safety of those around us.
