Nizhny Novgorod cracks down on scooters with $360K in parking fines

Nizhny Novgorod has tightened regulations on personal mobility devices (PMDs) to improve pedestrian safety. Over the past year, fines for improper parking alone surpassed 33 million rubles (around $360,000). The city has also expanded restrictions, banning scooters from 25 busy pedestrian zones since 2022.

The crackdown began in 2022 when authorities prohibited PMDs in 25 high-traffic areas. Clear road signs now mark these restricted zones, and the ban will stay in force until at least 2026. To enforce compliance, the city installed 99 designated slow zones where scooters automatically reduce speed to between 10 and 20 km/h (6–12 mph).

Over the last 12 months, officials recorded 1,187 parking violations. As a result, 1,890 scooters were confiscated and handed over to operators for safekeeping. Three major scooter-sharing companies have since agreed to follow the city's PMD rules. Nizhny Novgorod also provides 933 authorised parking areas with space for more than 16,000 devices. Despite these measures, no nationwide data exists on how many electric scooters have been seized across Russia for traffic offences and later returned to providers.

The restrictions and fines aim to reduce accidents and keep pedestrians safe. With the ban still in effect until 2026, scooter users must follow parking rules and speed limits. Operators now face stricter oversight to ensure compliance with local regulations.