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Decree regulates the use of electric scooters in the city
Published on 03/07/2019 - 10:09 | Updated on 04/07/2019 - 15:50
Decree creates rules for sharing electric scooters in Rio. Photo: Maurício Val / Rio City Hall The City of Rio de Janeiro, through the municipal secretariats of Finance and Transport, published in the Official Gazette this Wednesday, July 4, the Decree 46.181, which regulates the sharing of electric scooters in the city. The text establishes rules for companies and also for users of the equipment, who must respect the circulation and parking rules established in the decree and in the legislation in force.
permitted speed
Those who wish to use shared electric scooters as a new form of transportation may use them on cycle paths, cycle lanes and shared lanes, provided that they are properly signposted and that the speed limits for the scooter are 20 km/h and 6 km/h, respectively. Scooters may only be used on roads designated for vehicle traffic when the speed limit is up to 40 km/h. In this case, scooters may travel at speeds of up to 20 km/h. They may also be used on closed roads for leisure purposes, provided that the maximum speed of the scooter does not exceed 6 km/h.
Helmet
It is recommended that users wear a helmet. International research has shown that most accidents occur before the ninth ride. Therefore, to minimize accidents that occur with new users, the maximum speed of the scooter will be 12 km/h.
For over 18s only
Only those over 18 years of age may use shared scooters. The transportation of animals, passengers and cargo is prohibited. Circulation on sidewalks and on exclusive VLT (Light Rail Vehicle) lanes will also be prohibited. Parking, in turn, will be permitted on sidewalks with a width equal to or greater than 2,5 m, without obstructing the movement of pedestrians. The Decree also provides for fines and other penalties for non-compliance with the rules mentioned.
Accredited companies and numbered scooters
Companies interested in operating an electric scooter sharing service in the city must register with the City Hall, informing the number of scooters to be used in the sharing system. The implementation schedule, days and hours of operation, as well as the intended location for collection and return of the equipment, must also be communicated.
The scooters will be numbered and will have a sticker or paint to make it easier for users and municipal inspectors to identify the equipment.
Fines provided for
In case of non-compliance with the rules established by the decree, the Municipal Guard will apply fines to the companies responsible for the service. The amounts, depending on the infraction, vary from R$100 to R$20. During the first month, the GM's actions will be educational only. The collection of fines will begin after a period of 30 days, counting from the date of publication of the decree.
The previous decree
In December 2018, the Rio de Janeiro City Hall published Decree 45.550, which also regulates the use of electric scooters in the city of Rio. The text served as a pilot for the construction of the new legislation published today.
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