Despite the challenging environment, the Russian market has shown consistent growth. In the first quarter of the year, electric scooter sales in Russia increased by 43% compared to the previous year, reaching 245,000 units. The majority of residents consider electric scooters as an economical alternative to taxis, car sharing, and private cars.
Due to climate reasons, outdoor riding is not suitable during the spring and winter seasons in Russia. However, during the summer season, which is suitable for riding, sales continue to increase month by month. The high latitude climate limits the usage time of vehicles, and electric scooters in Russia can only be ridden from May to October. If individuals purchase private electric scooters, they will remain idle for half of the year. This highlights the convenience of shared scooters, as users do not have to worry about charging and storage issues.
According to experts' analysis of shared electric scooter data, the number of users has doubled compared to the previous year. The Northwestern and Volga regions have seen a doubling of user numbers, and demand in cities such as Tula has increased eleven-fold, Kislovodsk ten-fold, and Kazan nine-fold.
Meanwhile, in the past year, there has been a significant increase in the number of users aged 50 and above, with an 84% increase in this age group. Electric scooters have gained popularity across all age groups.
Moreover, most of the bicycles and electric vehicles used for cycling in Russia are imported from China, resulting in substantial demand for Chinese electric scooters and bicycles each year.
On the largest Russian e-commerce platform, Ozon, demand for electric scooters doubled.
On Ozon, electric scooters priced between 19,000 and 20,000 rubles are the most popular. On the renowned Russian online electronics retailer, Svyaznoy, the popular price range is between 40,000 and 55,000 rubles.
Chinese brands have also captured a significant market share in Russia. While the number of accidents involving electric scooters in Russia increased from 160 to 266 in the first half of 2021, with accidents involving children rising from 21 to 38, interest in electric scooters remains high. The Russian government has allocated 75 million rubles for the development of shared electric scooters.
Starting from March 1, 2023, electric scooters are officially recognized as vehicles in Russia. Officials have classified electric scooters, hoverboards, electric unicycles, and similar devices as Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). To control the speed of shared scooters, Moscow has implemented a speed limit of 15 km/h in the city center. This measure aims to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
In conclusion, the electric scooter market in Russia has been experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing demand for alternative transportation options, the convenience of shared scooters, and the popularity of online shopping. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how regulations and safety measures develop to ensure the responsible and safe use of electric scooters in Russia.
