Institute of Macroeconomic and Territorial Studies shared findings of an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the "kicksharing" (scooter rental) service in Uzbekistan.
The first kicksharing service was launched in April 2022 in Tashkent and became popular in a relatively short time.
However, the chaotic movement of these vehicles is said to create a number of problems for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars.
Advantages:
- convenient means of transport to get from point A to point B in a short time;
- the price is cheap compared to a car;
- reduces traffic as it is an alternative to private cars;
- environmentally friendly transport.
Disadvantages:
- the chaotic movement of e-scooters on the highway may cause stress for drivers;
- playing games on the sidewalk may be dangerous for the elderly, children, and disabled people;
- simultaneous use of the device by several people;
- leaving electric scooters on the roads can have a negative impact on pedestrian and car traffic;
- rental of electric scooters by minors and intoxicated people.
Statistics of adverse events related to e-scooters
17 people have died in Italy in the last two years as a result of road traffic accidents involving electric scooters.
Electric scooters led to the death of 27 people in France in 2022. 3 people reportedly died and 459 people were injured in Paris.
In Great Britain, 10 users died as a result of collisions in 2021, and 331 people were seriously injured.
A total of 442 accidents involving electric scooters occurred in Germany in 2022.
Therefore, the governments of foreign countries are taking a number of measures aimed at regulating the use of devices. In particular:
In the referendum held in Paris in April of this year, 90% of those who participated said they were in favor of banning these vehicles.
In 2022, Helsinki banned the rental of electric scooters after midnight on weekends.
In Japan, e-scooters must have a license plate and side mirrors, and they are also prohibited from driving on sidewalks.
In the UK, the user of an electric scooter must have a category Q driving license.
In Denmark, Spain, and Norway, wearing a special helmet has been introduced as a minimum technical standard since 2022.
Russia banned transporting cargo and other passengers on e-scooters.
The concept of an "electric scooter" is not included in the current traffic rules in Uzbekistan. In order to develop these devices as convenient urban transport, improvements in legislation and regulation may be required. In particular:
- introducing the concept of "electric vehicle" into the traffic rules and determining the procedure for their use;
- use of automatic speed reduction technology in pedestrian areas;
- development of a mechanism to prevent simultaneous use of the device by two people, as well as drunken driving;
- introducing an age limit when using devices (using Face-ID technology);
- restricting night-time rental of electric scooters;
- organization of special places for electric scooters.
These measures serve to prevent road incidents, increase safety and discourage negative opinions among the public about this eco-friendly and convenient type of transport.
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