Tengrinews.kz - Igor Lepekha, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, discussed the potential ban on e-scooters in Kazakhstan.
Tengrinews.kz - Igor Lepekha, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, discussed the potential ban on e-scooters in Kazakhstan.
In the Senate, when asked why the ministry hasn't fully banned e-scooter rentals like Madrid did.
"Well, because Madrid probably has the corresponding legislation, and we don't. You know well that when this bill was introduced in the Mazhilis, we actually proposed to prohibit riding on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. The deputies did not support us. Therefore, this is unfortunately not within our competence. We lack the legislative tools to impose a complete ban," Lepekha explained.
Lepekha added that the ministry continues to work with deputies to tighten regulations for e-scooter users.
"It is necessary to increase the requirements. When we discussed these issues, our operators claimed they were responsible and serious, saying they would limit many things themselves. Unfortunately, we see that no one is doing anything. For example, it was stated that the speed would be limited to 5 kilometers per hour on sidewalks, and they were supposed to slow down, as they have the technical capability. We all walk and see that no one does this," said the policeman.
He emphasized that the ministry cannot simply ban e-scooters outright, noting that further legislative regulation is necessary.
Journalists also inquired about the deputies' proposal to introduce mandatory state registration for e-scooters.
"That would be good, but I'm not ready to comment on that yet. Preliminary discussions are underway. However, if they ask for the Ministry’s opinion, we are in favor. In several countries, there are numbers on scooters, even if it's not state registration. They should have some identifiers to determine who was involved in an incident. We are currently urging deputies to work on further regulation of these scooters and to tighten responsibility," Lepekha stated.
According to the Ministry, since the beginning of the year, there have been 97 traffic accidents involving e-scooters, resulting in two fatalities and 93 injuries.
Earlier, moped drivers in Kazakhstan will be required to undergo mandatory state registration. The corresponding law is being reviewed in the Senate in its first reading.