New Regulations for Electric Scooters Take Effect in Kazakhstan

New requirements governing the use of electric scooters officially came into force in Kazakhstan on August 25, banning them from sidewalks and pedestrian paths, according to the Almaty Police Department.

Riders are now required to use designated bicycle lanes or paths. In their absence, scooters are permitted to travel along the rightmost edge of the roadway.

Access to the main roadway is strictly restricted to individuals who are at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license of any category. When riding on the roadway, wearing a protective helmet is mandatory, and riders must carry reflective elements on their clothing or gear during nighttime hours.

Under the updated rules, carrying passengers or cargo on electric scooters is prohibited, meaning two or more people cannot ride a single scooter simultaneously. Additionally, riding across pedestrian crosswalks is banned; users must dismount and walk their scooters across intersections.

Earlier regulations introduced mandatory registration numbers for electric scooters starting July 1, allowing law enforcement to identify users in the event of traffic violations or accidents. Meanwhile, rental companies remain obligated to monitor the technical condition of their fleets, track locations, and enforce speed limits.