The new restrictions on electric scooters in Riga come into effect in May

The Riga Municipal Police (RPP) met today with the service providers of shared electric scooters and bicycles, preparing to introduce the new restrictions on electric scooters in the capital from May.

As the LETA agency was informed by the police, today RPP representatives met with the companies “Bolt Services LV”, “Tuul Mobility” and “Ride” to discuss the readiness of merchants to comply with the new binding regulations of the Riga City Council from May, which determine speed limits and the micromobility tool for sharing the special zone for placement in the capital.

During the meeting with the merchants, RPP noted that the purpose of these changes is to protect the interests and safety of all road users, as well as to promote the use of shared micromobility tools with respect for other road users.

Therefore, the RPP’s work in monitoring compliance with these changes will be focused on cooperation with businessmen, rather than their formal punishment.

At RPP’s request, sharing service providers have submitted RPP’s contact information for operational communication in cases where shared electric scooters or bicycles are found to be left outside of specially created micromobility tool parking places. In these cases, the service provider will have three hours to move the micromobility tool to a place where it is allowed to be placed. At the same time, RPP drew the attention of merchants, if the violation is not eliminated within three hours from the moment of its detection, RPP will apply administrative responsibility to the merchant.

During the meeting, the service providers informed that necessary actions have been taken to ensure that the ban on parking shared vehicles in certain areas is followed. On the other hand, work continues in connection with the obligation to observe the speed limit in certain areas.

In order to make sure whether the merchant has equipped shared vehicles with the necessary systems (which regulate speed and parking), in addition to patrolling the streets of Riga, RPP officers will also conduct control purchases. If violations are found, the particular vehicle will be seized.

It has already been announced that on May 1st in Riga, a speed limit zone will be established in the historical center of Riga, as well as other changes. More here.