In Kazakhstan, electric bicycles are classified as mopeds regardless of their power, meaning riding them on sidewalks is a violation. Deputy Interior Minister Igor Lepekha announced this at a government briefing, NUR.KZ correspondent reports, according to infohub.kz.
Journalists noted that this type of transport has become especially popular among teenagers and children, and asked how legal their movement on sidewalks is, given that the speed of such devices can reach 30 kilometers per hour.
"We have already regulated this. Electric bicycles, regardless of power, are classified as mopeds, meaning that today you cannot ride an electric bicycle on a sidewalk—it is a violation. This norm has already been legislatively approved. We will hold them accountable just like moped owners," said Igor Lepekha.
Recall that on July 1, new rules for riding electric scooters came into force in Kazakhstan. Requirements were introduced for age, having a license, and insurance.
However, at that time, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced another tightening for electric scooter riders—a ban on movement on sidewalks and pedestrian paths starting August 25.
If previously movement on a sidewalk at a speed of no more than 6 kilometers per hour was allowed, now electric scooters can only be ridden on bicycle paths or bicycle lanes, and in their absence—on the right edge of the roadway or shoulder.