The President of Belarus has signed a Decree amending the traffic regulations.

The document has been prepared taking into account current realities and public demand, and has undergone serious public discussion, receiving over 600 responses from the public.

The traffic regulations establish the obligation for cyclists and scooter riders to dismount when crossing the roadway, which will help reduce accidents. This is due to the fact that the number of road traffic accidents involving cyclists and scooter riders has increased in recent years. Approximately 900 accidents have been registered in just two years.

Approaches to the use of personal mobility devices have been comprehensively revised, as new devices have emerged that do not fall under the classical definition. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h and, in terms of technical parameters, are closer to electric scooters and mopeds than to electric scooters.

In essence, this concerns full-fledged transport that moves along pavements, posing a danger to pedestrians.

In this regard, the very definition of "personal mobility device" is clarified. It is understood as a device with an electric motor and a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h. Speed limits are introduced: it will be possible to ride electric scooters, segways, and monowheels on cycle paths at a speed not exceeding 25 km/h, and on pavements – not exceeding 10 km/h. A ban is established on heavy devices, weighing over 35 kg, moving on pavements. Electric devices that, according to their technical characteristics, can be classified as mopeds and motorcycles are granted the right to participate in road traffic. To do this, it will be necessary to confirm the type of vehicle, obtain an electronic passport for it, and register it with the traffic police.

Other provisions of the traffic regulations have been clarified. In particular, the territories of horticultural associations are now classified as residential areas.

The main provisions of the decree come into force on September 1.