by Burak Akinci
ANKARA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye has introduced its strictest regulations yet for electric scooters, mandating real-time tracking and giving local authorities greater oversight in an effort to curb rising injuries and fatalities in major cities.
The new rules, unveiled last week, aim to bring order to a fast-growing transport sector that has outpaced existing infrastructure.
Under the updated framework, operators must transmit real-time location and identification data for every scooter to the Transport Ministry's central monitoring system. Companies are also required to submit monthly reports detailing accidents, complaints, and maintenance logs.
Officials say the measures address long-standing concerns over reckless riding, pavement clutter and the lack of reliable accident data.
"When you rent a scooter, the app provides a designated route monitored via GPS. If you deviate, you receive an audio warning," Serkan Kaya, an Ankara municipal official, told Xinhua.
If the rider ignores the warning and enters a restricted area, the scooter's speed is automatically throttled, forcing the rider to turn back. Kaya noted that local administrations now have expanded powers to cap fleet sizes, enforce "no-ride" zones, and penalize non-compliant operators.
According to data released in May by the General Directorate of Highways, 18 people were killed and more than 2,200 were injured in scooter-related accidents in Türkiye in 2024.
Gokhan Kahvecibey, a 55-year-old Ankara resident, said riders frequently use scooters on pavements, posing a danger to pedestrians. He described the scooters as "beautiful devices that make life easier," but said their benefits should not come at the expense of public safety.
Despite the risks, demand remains high. Doga Arslandogan, a 22-year-old university student, rides daily to avoid traffic and save money, though he acknowledged the dangers.
"Drivers and pedestrians are not always careful. A driver nearly hit my friend last week because he didn't see the scooter," Arslandogan said. He welcomed the data-sharing requirements, noting that tracking will help clarify liability in accidents where scooters are often moved from the scene.
"This is a classic case of rapid adoption without parallel investment in safety," said Yigit Dedeoglu, an Istanbul-based road safety expert. "Scooters appeared faster than cities could adapt, leading to conflict between riders, pedestrians, and vehicles."
Previous regulations set the minimum riding age at 15 and banned scooters from highways, but accident rates have remained stubbornly high. Authorities say the new oversight will protect residents while preserving micro-mobility as a sustainable transport option. ■
