Number of Electric Scooter Users in Rio has Grown Tenfold Since Start of the Year

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The number of scooters and rental users of this type of transport in Rio de Janeiro has increased tenfold since the start of the year. The data is from the company in charge of the equipment. On Wednesday, July 3rd, the City of Rio published the system’s rules in the official Municipal Gazette.

According to these regulations, minors are not allowed to rent the equipment, and the maximum recommended speed for beginners shall not exceed 12 km/h. For those more acquainted with the device, speed may reach 20 km/h.

The City Hall will be responsible for accrediting companies and determining their operation areas. Equipment use should be included in the bike lanes network. Use is only permitted on streets where the maximum speed limit is 40 km/h.

Should users cause accidents, they may be held criminally liable.

“The users of electric scooters infringing the relevant legislation shall be held civilly, criminally and administratively liable for any moral, physical or material damage caused, also subjecting themselves to seizure of the equipment, without prejudice to the responsibilities and obligations of the operators, provided for in the legislation in force”, states an extract from the text.

Equipment must be fitted with speed limiters to prevent it from exceeding the allowable speed limit.

Shared use scooters should include speedometer, bell, front, rear and side warning lights, and a width and length equal to or less than those of a wheelchair.

Companies operating in the sector will be granted 30 days from the publication of the regulations to adjust the equipment.

Should they fail to comply, they shall be liable to penalties such as the payment of fines. Supervision shall be incumbent on the municipal authorities, such as the Municipal Guard.

Grow, the company responsible for scooters in Rio, said the City Hall decree eases access to this clean, affordable and popular city transport, as well as ensuring safety and stimulating user education by recommending the wearing of helmets and limiting the equipment’s speed.

(Source: G1)