Scooters and Mopeds vs. Pedestrians: Why Bishkek's Streets Are Becoming More Dangerous

The streets of Bishkek are becoming increasingly hazardous, not from traditional traffic, but from the proliferation of electric scooters and mopeds. While lauded as eco-friendly transport, these devices are turning simple walks into stressful ordeals for pedestrians. The number of accidents involving these so-called "individual mobility devices" (SIM) has surged, with official figures showing a significant increase in injuries and fatalities compared to just a few years ago.

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Every day, the Clinical Hospital of Emergency Medical Care receives 2–3 victims of scooter accidents.

The core of the problem lies in the conflict between the speed of SIMs and the safety of pedestrians. Rental companies, driven by per-minute pricing models, have little incentive to limit scooter speeds. This encourages users to travel as fast as possible, often on sidewalks meant for pedestrians, leading to frequent collisions. Medical facilities report a steady rise in SIM-related injuries, ranging from bruises to severe head trauma and spinal fractures, with children and the elderly being particularly vulnerable.

Pedestrians in Bishkek are voicing their frustration. They describe narrow sidewalks, often shared with scooter lanes, and a jarring speed difference between their own pace and that of the scooters. The common complaint is that the city infrastructure simply hasn't kept up with the rapid adoption of these new modes of transport. Adding to the nuisance, scooters are frequently left abandoned on sidewalks, obstructing passage.

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Pedestrians are increasingly complaining about unsafe sidewalks, the high speed of individual mobility device users, and the lack of clear rules.

While the traffic police are conducting raids and issuing fines, the effectiveness of these measures is debatable. The fines, though seemingly substantial, are often reduced significantly if paid promptly. More importantly, the fundamental issue of inadequate infrastructure and the profit-driven speed policies of rental companies remain unaddressed. From a Kyrgyz perspective, this situation highlights a common challenge: the rapid adoption of new technologies without the necessary regulatory frameworks or urban planning adjustments. The "pain of pedestrians" in Bishkek is a stark reminder that progress must be inclusive and prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, not just the users of the newest gadgets.

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From a pedestrian's point of view, this is very inconvenient. Sidewalks are cut short, there are no special paths. Collisions lead to injuries. A pedestrian walks at 5 kilometers per hour, and a scooter accelerates to 20–30 kilometers per hour.