Potential Skating Regulations Under Consideration in Kazakhstan
Scooters on Kazakh Roads: What's the Deal?
It looks like electric scooters cruising down Kazakh roads might soon be a thing of the past. Here's the lowdown on this recent development, straight from the horse's mouth—Minister of Internal Affairs, Yerlan Turgumbayev.
"E-scooters can zip along at 80 kilometers per hour, but unfortunately, they're not recognized as road traffic participants yet," Yerlan stated during a public meet-up. The reason? The legislative absence of this futuristic vehicle type and its lack of certification and safety features, such as brakes, headlights, and side mirrors.
Currently, these speedy wheels are banned from Kazakh roads and highways, and the authorities are looking into their use on bike lanes and sidewalks. Yet, Kazakhstan's guidelines for these whizzing devices remain unclear, unlike their European counterparts.
For instance, in the UK, it's a hard no for e-scooters on the roads, except on private property. On the flip side, in some European countries, e-scooter usage depends on their speed. If they're sluggish, clocking in below 12 kilometers per hour, they're allowed on pedestrian paths.
But what about regulations here in Kazakhstan? Well, there's nary a peep about it. So, if you're planning to navigate the streets of Almaty on an electric scooter, it'd be best to hold off until the Ministry of Internal Affairs lays down some rules. Keep an eye on authoritative sources for the most accurate updates.
Oh, and did you know that Kazakhstan has just begun requiring registration for mopeds with engines smaller than 50 cc, starting from April 5, 2025[1]? This could be a clue that the country's gearing up to regulate personal mobility devices, perhaps including our beloved electric scooters. So, buckle up and stay tuned for more updates in this exciting mobility revolution!
- The minister categorically stated that electric scooters aren't recognized as road traffic participants in Kazakhstan, due to the legislative absence and lack of necessary requirements like brakes, headlights, and side mirrors.
- Currently, electric scooters are banned from Kazakh roads and highways, although authorities are considering their use on bike lanes and sidewalks.
- Unlike their European counterparts, Kazakhstan's guidelines for e-scooters remain unclear, with no specific regulations currently in place.
- In some European countries, e-scooter usage depends on their speed, with slower ones allowed on pedestrian paths. Conversely, in the UK, they are not permitted on roads, except on private property.
- The recent requirement for registration of mopeds with engines smaller than 50 cc starting from April 2025 in Kazakhstan may hint at the country's preparation to regulate personal mobility devices, potentially including electric scooters, so it's advisable to stay updated on official announcements regarding this matter.
