The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations proposed by the Ministry of Transport, introducing significant improvements in the field of micromobility, with particular emphasis on pedestrian safety and a safer shared public space. The new regulations will enter into force on 1 April this year.
“With these amendments to the regulations, we are introducing a clearer and more understandable framework for the everyday use of various modes of transport. The goal is to balance the interests of all road users, with particular protection for pedestrians—children and seniors—organise movement on pavements in cities, and promote a culture of respectful mobility overall,”
emphasised Minister for Transport Atis Švinka.
The regulatory changes adapt the rules to today’s traffic reality, taking into account the rapid spread of electric scooters, bicycles and other micromobility devices. To reduce risks and conflicts with pedestrians, stricter movement restrictions have been introduced, including a ban on the use of self‑propelled bicycles on pavements. The rules governing movement on pavements, pedestrian paths and crossings have also been clarified, and clearer conditions have been established for the use of various sports and recreational devices.
“For Riga, the key priority in these changes is pedestrian safety. At the same time, we recognise that suitable and safe infrastructure for micromobility users is not available everywhere in the city, which is why Riga continues to invest purposefully in a safer urban environment. This year, we will build at least 30 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure, increase the pace of creating new pedestrian crossings both in neighbourhoods and the city centre—at least 20 new crossings—and prioritise safety improvements at 45 existing but unsafe pedestrian crossings. Already last year, the capital introduced designated micromobility parking zones to improve order and reduce inconvenience for pedestrians. I have also previously addressed the Saeima’s National Economy Committee, calling for amendments to the Road Traffic Law to give municipalities greater powers to ensure safety on their streets and pavements,”
stated Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chairman of the Riga City Council.
Special attention has been paid to the most vulnerable road users—children, seniors and persons with reduced mobility. Restrictions on micromobility devices are essential to improving pedestrian safety and ensuring a more convenient and predictable urban environment.
“The priority of the Riga Municipal Police is a safe urban environment. Therefore, while continuing day‑to‑day monitoring of micromobility device use, we will pay particular attention to aggressive and dangerous riding that endangers both riders themselves and other road users. Thanks to the new regulation, we will be able to reduce these risks and improve overall traffic safety. We call on all users of micromobility devices to act responsibly and respect others, so that travelling in the capital is safe and friendly for everyone,”
noted Andrejs Aronovs, Deputy Head of the Riga Municipal Police.
Changes have also been introduced regarding the registration of micromobility devices, including electric scooters and bicycles, by establishing uniform requirements and technical standards in line with European Union regulation.
“The technical parameters of a self‑propelled bicycle are as follows: power does not exceed 1 kW; the electric motor switches off once a speed of 25 km/h is reached; and the key difference from an electric bicycle is that electric propulsion works even when the pedals are not being pedalled,”
explained Aivars Aksenoks, Chairman of the Board of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), at a press conference.
“From 1 May, self‑propelled bicycles that are not registered with CSDD will not be allowed to participate in road traffic. At the same time, compulsory third‑party liability insurance for self‑propelled bicycles will come into force. Registration is most conveniently carried out remotely via CSDD e‑services; however, given the diversity of these vehicles, in certain cases in‑person registration at a CSDD customer service centre will be required.”
Zaiga Liepiņa, Director of the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC):
“It is important that consumers carefully review the information provided by the manufacturer and seller before purchasing micromobility vehicles. For example, they should check whether the self‑propelled bicycle bears a plate indicating the manufacturer’s name, vehicle category and type, VIN number and type‑approval marking, and whether this information corresponds to the manufacturer’s documentation. We also call on traders to comply in good faith with the regulatory requirements and to offer only compliant micromobility devices on the market.”
Overall, the amendments aim to create a modern and clearly regulated micromobility environment, promoting safer and mutually respectful mobility in cities.
Communication Department of the Ministry of Transport