For Some Belarusians, The “traffic Amnesty” Has Ended
- 2.09.2026, 9:24
New rules are in effect as of September 1.
As of September 1, the “amnesty” period for owners of high-speed electric scooters, monowheels, and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) in Belarus has ended. Prior to that date, it was possible to register certain devices under a simplified procedure if their specifications exceeded the definition of a standard PMV. “Zerkalo” explains the reasons behind this change.
A personal mobility device is a wheeled electric vehicle with a maximum speed of no more than 25 km/h, designed to carry a single person. People riding personal mobility devices are treated the same as cyclists. If a vehicle does not meet the specifications for a personal mobility device, it must be registered with the traffic police and may only be ridden on public roads. This requires a driver’s license and a helmet.
As of September 1, 2025, updated traffic rules (TR) went into effect in Belarus. The changes affect, among others, those who travel by bicycle and personal mobility devices (PMDs)—electric scooters, gyro scooters, and Segways.
Cyclists and users of personal mobility devices must now dismount—get off their bicycle or scooter and walk it alongside—when crossing the roadway (with the exception of bike crossings equipped with special traffic lights). Since September 1 of last year, violations of traffic rules have been subject to fines under Article 18.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. The fine can range from one to three base units (45–135 rubles), and in some circumstances, even more.
Since September 1 of last year, electric scooters and other electric vehicles have been permitted to travel no faster than 25 km/h on bike paths and up to 10 km/h on sidewalks. Violators are identified using special devices designed to track the speed of such vehicles.
What the “amnesty” entailed and what happens after it ends
If a scooter exceeds 25 km/h, it must be registered with the Traffic Police. Until September 1, 2026, a simplified procedure was in effect:
undergoing testing at an accredited laboratory;
obtaining a certificate of compliance;
registering with the Traffic Police.
Starting September 1 of this year, the regulations for such devices will become stricter: if a device’s specifications classify it as a vehicle, the corresponding requirements apply. Registration is only possible with a complete set of documents (as for mopeds).
This means that an AM, A1, or A driver’s license will be required, as well as registration with the Traffic Police. Moreover, even if the owner has not registered the vehicle but rides it, they are required to have a driver’s license. Driving without a license is prohibited.
Furthermore, if a high-powered SPM is not registered, it may only be ridden off public roads—for example, in enclosed areas or in wooded areas.
“Such vehicles may be used without state registration on roads without modified surfaces, traveling during daylight hours along the roadside; if there is no roadside, they may travel on the roadway
no more than one meter from its right edge,” — as stated in the documents.
After that, the regulations for such vehicles become stricter: if the vehicle’s specifications classify it as a motor vehicle, the corresponding requirements apply.