Baku, August 11 – In recent years, electric scooters and bicycles have become increasingly popular in Azerbaijan—especially in the capital, Baku—as an alternative to traditional transport. While this boom in micromobility offers environmental and convenience benefits, it has also sparked growing safety concerns.
Traffic violations, riding on pedestrian sidewalks, lack of protective gear, and speeding have led to more accidents. The situation has reached a point where the State Traffic Police has issued official warnings to scooter riders about following the rules.
Fines and Responsibility
Transport expert Eldaniz Jafarov explained to Kaspiy.Az, that scooters are classified under Azerbaijani law as “small electric vehicles” (SEVs). They do not have dedicated lanes but are permitted to use bicycle paths.
“Young people make up the majority of SEV users, and unfortunately, many treat scooters as a form of entertainment rather than a vehicle subject to traffic rules,” Jafarov said. “These devices now have official status, and violations carry penalties. Fines can reach 40 manats for general rule-breaking, and 150 manats if reckless riding causes damage to others or their property. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just car drivers’.”
Simple Rules, Big Impact
According to Jafarov, many scooter riders fail to follow even basic safety rules:
Riding in the left or middle lane of the road is prohibited.
If a bicycle lane exists, riders should use it.
Front and rear lights must be on at all times.
Scooters, bicycles, and mopeds are for one person only—passengers are not allowed.
On licensing and registration, Jafarov warned that requiring license plates could create unnecessary complications, especially for bicycles. Instead, he suggests education: rental companies should brief users via their mobile apps, and scooters in city areas should be speed-limited to 15 km/h to reduce accidents.
Infrastructure Gaps
Technical sciences expert Farhad Eyubov argues that the issue requires a comprehensive, urban planning-based approach.
“Baku’s historic city structure means traffic flows were never properly designed. While micromobility has become a talking point in recent years, most initiatives are concentrated in the city center and do little to address the broader transport system,” Eyubov said.
He highlighted the need for well-planned, fully protected bike and scooter lanes, noting that most riders lack proper safety gear. Without better design, existing lanes—though visually neat—pose risks.
Chaos on the Roads
According to Eyubov, the surge in scooters and bikes has created chaotic road conditions. Unlike public or private transport, they are often used without adherence to the rules, adding unpredictability and danger to traffic.
In many countries, bike lanes are well-marked, equipped with signals, and backed by clear legal frameworks. “Unfortunately, Azerbaijan still lacks a strong regulatory base and adequate infrastructure in this area,” he concluded.
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