NEW RULES FOR E-SCOOTER RIDING IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

With the growing number of cars on the streets, traffic jams are often easiest to avoid by walking, taking public transport, or—more recently—by using electric scooters. However, questions have been raised about how safe this mode of transport is and whether e-scooter riders are following traffic regulations.

The Ministry of the Interior of Republika Srpska (MUP) reported that during the first seven months of 2025, 11 e-scooter riders were involved in traffic accidents, six of which were caused by the riders themselves. Two people sustained serious injuries, while six suffered minor injuries. In 2024, 21 riders were involved in accidents, with 12 of them causing the incidents, resulting in two serious and 16 minor injuries.

Doctors at the Institute for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Surgery “Dr. Miroslav Zotović” noted that patients with scooter-related injuries have recently begun appearing sporadically. These are usually contusions of the elbow, knee, and shoulder joints, most of which are classified as mild to moderate and successfully treated at the Institute.

MUP has reminded the public that Republika Srpska has legally regulated the use of e-scooters and other light personal electric vehicles through amendments to the Law on Road Traffic Safety.

Classification of e-scooters:

Class 1 and Class 3 – Maximum speed up to 6 km/h

Class 1: Without self-balancing system and seat

Class 3: With self-balancing system and seat (optional)

Class 2 and Class 4 – Maximum speed up to 25 km/h

Class 2: Without self-balancing system and seat

Class 4: With self-balancing system and seat (optional)

Mandatory equipment includes:

Speed limiters to ensure maximum allowed speed (25 km/h for Classes 2 and 4, and 6 km/h on pedestrian areas).

Front and rear reflectors, and for Classes 2 and 4, mandatory front and rear lights.

Sound signaling device (horn) for all classes.

Obligations for riders of Class 1 and 3 scooters:

Must follow pedestrian traffic regulations.

Must carry an identification certificate and sticker for their scooter.

Obligations for riders of Class 2 and 4 scooters:

Must follow the same traffic regulations as cyclists.

Additional requirements:

Must carry an identification certificate and sticker.

Minimum age 14.

Must have either a road safety knowledge certificate issued by the Road Safety Institute or a valid driver’s license of any category.

Must wear a fastened protective helmet while riding.

Transporting other persons on an e-scooter, regardless of class, is strictly prohibited.

Identification certificate and sticker:

These are issued by vehicle inspection stations at the request of the owner/user of the e-scooter. The certificate confirms the scooter’s technical specifications, while the sticker is placed on the scooter for identification purposes. The cost of issuing both the certificate and sticker is 20 KM, to be paid by the applicant.