Kyrgyzstan tightens rules for electric scooters, mopeds

Kyrgyzstan has officially recognized electric scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and other similar devices as "personal mobility devices," introducing new regulations for their use. President Sadyr Japarov signed a law that legally defines these devices, which are equipped with engines up to 0.25 kilowatts or can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. Until now, these devices operated in a largely unregulated space.

The new legislation places these personal mobility devices under legal oversight. Furthermore, the regulation of scooter rental services has been delegated to local authorities. This decentralization empowers municipalities to establish their own rules regarding parking, designated traffic routes, and operational conditions for rental vehicles, allowing for tailored local management.

The law also impacts owners of mopeds, scooters, and motorbikes. Within six months of the law's official publication, registration for these vehicles will become mandatory. This measure aims to bring thousands of currently unregistered scooters and mopeds into the national transport database, requiring owners to comply with established registration procedures. The legislation also clarifies definitions for various vehicle categories, including electric vehicles and motorcycles, with authorities stating the changes will close legal loopholes and enhance traffic regulation enforcement.