Russia Proposes Digital Passports for E‑Scooter Riders

Russian authorities are considering a mandatory digital identification system for electric scooter users to curb a 43 percent surge in accidents and integrate micromobility into smart‑city infrastructure.

Russian lawmakers, led by Anna Gurarij of the Yekaterinburg City Duma, have put forward a plan requiring electric‑scooter riders and other personal‑mobility‑device users to register for a “digital passport” via the Gosuslugi portal after passing a medical exam. Modeled on the Fan ID system used for major sporting events, the proposal aims to make riders traceable and accountable on public roads.

The move comes in response to a startling 43 percent jump in micromobility accidents in 2024, with experts attributing most incidents to rented scooters operated without regard for safety regulations. Under the draft legislation, failure to obtain a digital passport would incur fines, pushing users toward formal identification and compliance.

Technological add‑ons may bolster the system: smart collision‑avoidance modules — tested in Saint Petersburg — could be integrated into devices to automatically brake or reroute riders away from hazards. However, officials emphasize that the core of the strategy is personal responsibility enforced through digital tracking.

Data from January through September 2023 show 2,640 traffic accidents involving electric scooters nationwide, highlighting an urgent need for regulation. Proponents argue that establishing digital IDs will not only discipline riders but also lay the groundwork for fully integrating personal‑mobility devices into a unified smart‑city network.

By leveraging electronic‑passport data, urban planners hope to optimize travel flows, guide infrastructure investments, and respond more swiftly to breakdowns or collisions. If adopted, Russia’s digital‑ID framework could become a model for other cities grappling with the rapid rise of micromobility — balancing innovation with public safety.