Astana Authorities Clarify New E-Scooter Regulations

Astana's Police Department conducted a preventive event in the city to inform residents about new legislative requirements for e-scooter users. The objective of the event was to enhance road safety and promote a culture of responsible use of personal mobility devices, as reported by the official website of the city's mayor's office.

The event brought together city residents, representatives from the Police Department and the prosecutor's office, e-scooter sharing companies, the Association for Sustainable Development of Territories, and volunteers from MRC 'Astana Zhaslary.'

Participants in the event were briefed on the changes to e-scooter usage rules, had their questions answered, and were reminded of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.

Volunteers from 'Astana Zhaslary' also distributed informational brochures detailing safe e-scooter usage guidelines.

The primary focus was on the requirements set to come into effect on August 25, 2026. E-scooters will no longer be allowed on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. Users will have to use bicycle paths and lanes, or travel along the right edge of the road or the shoulder, as stated in the traffic regulations.

"E-scooters have long been integral participants in road traffic. However, users failing to comply with established requirements pose a safety risk to both themselves and other road users," stated Nurman Uvaev, Head of the Administrative Police Department of Astana's Police, Colonel of Police.

According to him, the changes in traffic regulations are aimed at increasing safety and reducing accidents.

When traveling on the roadway, e-scooter drivers must be over 18 years old, possess any category of driver's license, and wear a protective helmet. Reflective elements are mandatory at night.

Astana's prosecutor's office highlighted that common violations by e-scooter users include driving on the roadway without a driver's license, speeding, and failing to observe intersection rules. Passenger transport on a single scooter is particularly dangerous.

"Currently, scooter users frequently violate rules on the roadway. Individuals without a driver's license continue to operate scooters in certain road areas. Speeding on sidewalks also poses a high risk of traffic incidents," noted Akzhol Satilda, a prosecutor from Astana's prosecutor's office.

He added that legislative changes are necessary to enhance road user safety.

E-scooter sharing company representatives discussed user control measures. As reported by Alibek Abelkassov, director of the capital branch of the sharing company JET, starting July 1, mandatory IIN verification during app registration was introduced. The system checks age, and access is denied to individuals under 18.

"We have seen instances where parents give their accounts to children. Such accounts are blocked. Remember, one scooter is designed for one person. Users riding together are also blocked," noted Alibek Abelkassov.

He added that as of July 1, identification numbers are placed on e-scooters on three sides—on the frame and rear fender—which allows for vehicle identification through cameras and taking actions against violators.

The company also emphasized parking etiquette. E-scooters should not be left on sidewalks, roadways, bike paths, or car parking spaces. Violators may face penalties or account blocking.

Organizers noted that such events aim to improve the legal literacy of personal mobility device users, reduce accident rates, and create a safer urban environment. Reported by ЖКХ24 via the Astana Mayor's office website.

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