Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (regulation of e-scooters and mopeds) - first reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-06-05 00:03
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 47
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 9m
AI Summaries: 47/47 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today’s agenda item before the Riigikogu was bill 614, initiated by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvarti, amending the Traffic Act, which provides for the supplementation of regulations concerning personal mobility devices, minimopeds, and bicycles. The bill was presented for the first reading and its aim is to improve the safety of the urban environment, reduce the number of accidents, and ensure better rules for consumers, urban police, and healthcare institutions. The spokesperson emphasized that the current situation in the cityscape is unsustainable and unregulated service providers may place hundreds of vehicles in the city, creating a picture of insecurity, risks, and also litter and chaos in the environment and public spaces.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 614 is rejected on the first reading; it falls out of the procedure. Voting result: 42 in favor, 15 against, 0 abstentions.
Most Active Speaker
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart – Member of the Riigikogu, initiator of the bill, and a key presentation for the chairperson; position: other
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the item on the agenda was the first reading of Draft Bill 614, initiated by Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, concerning the Act amending the Traffic Act (regulation of light personal transporters and micro-mopeds), and invited her to the rostrum to give her presentation.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The draft bill presented to the Riigikogu amends the Traffic Act to better regulate rented light mobility devices and small mopeds in urban areas, including limiting their number, establishing controls for age and driving rights, and providing the option to rent a helmet. This grants local governments greater regulatory powers, thereby reducing traffic accidents and improving the safety of all road users.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the audience and announces that the Q&A session is now starting, inviting Vladimir Arkhipov to speak.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov emphasizes that this is a very important issue, criticizing the Economic Committee’s decision to reject greater autonomy and decision-making power for local governments. He then cites the example of the withdrawal of support for hobby education, asking why these mandates are not being given to the local authorities.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart noted that the matter needs to be regulated between the ruling parties in Tallinn and the ruling parties at the national level. She offered a consensus-based solution and is prepared to adopt amendments from all parties during the second reading to protect the health of people and children.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to the stage.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev argues that the issue is not with Bolt or similar services, but rather stems from the coalition's a priori reluctance toward proposals put forth by the opposition. He brings up the example of the red mopeds, where the city government initially happily posed for photos, only to eventually realize that they represented a major problem for the city.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart emphasizes that if there is a shared need for change, the draft legislation could move forward even if it was submitted by the opposition. She further alleges that the regulation of light mopeds should have taken place earlier through cooperation between the city government and the state, arguing that age verification remained insufficient, and the resulting problems and accidents could have been prevented.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for Peeter Ernits to be called to the stage.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks how far along we are in banning these measures, following Paris's example, and whether more injuries or fatalities must occur before we can finally move forward.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stated that the Tallinn City Council has the right to organize surveys and, if necessary, conduct a referendum on banning light personal vehicles and small mopeds. However, regulation is absent, and the rising number of accidents—400 last year—require solutions involving reasonable restrictions and a versatile urban space.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Andrei Korobeinik to speak.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik thanks [everyone] for the opportunity and notes that, despite Lauri's drowsiness, this is a very important point.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
It's already half past nine, but we're continuing.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Korobeinik notes that there is a shortage of social democrats in the hall—we have two veterans, Andre Hanimägi and Jaak Aab, but the entire rest of the faction is missing—and that scooters are a big concern in Tallinn, and asks whether the opposition has discussed the topic and if the votes of the social democrats will come to support him.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He thanks the attendees and expresses hope that the bill will receive support not only from the Social Democrats but also through the votes of other parties. He complains about the lack of support for the Social Democrats within the committee and the opposition they face at both the national and local levels. He stresses that in Tallinn, all parties supported the necessity of new rules and amendments, and he hopes for the same level of support in the Riigikogu, arguing that this outcome would be logical for regulating local government and would help prevent hypocrisy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Jüri Jaanson to come forward and speak.
Jüri Jaanson
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Jüri Jaanson noted that the bill's goal is to reduce accidents, but he finds the proposed means problematic. He argued that if limits are introduced on the number of light traffic users, mopeds, and bicycles, it immediately raises the question of the next step—whether to limit cars or rental services as well—and he proposed traffic education as the solution.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stresses that the bill aims to ensure a safe urban environment and protect public health. Although this might be an ideological issue, it is necessary to set a limit on the number of rental e-scooters because the rising number of accidents, the associated costs, and resource pressure require a balance between freedom of enterprise and health protection.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This presentation addresses the regulation of motor insurance and questions whether damages caused by light road users and micro-mopeds can be compensated by insurance, and whether other road users can recover their losses in the event of an accident.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stated that the current draft legislation does not regulate motor liability insurance, and she has submitted a separate bill that would introduce mandatory traffic insurance for all light personal transporters. This action stems from the fact that the special anti-corruption commission raised concerns that insurance coverage applies only to Bolt scooters weighing over 24 kg, but not to Tuul scooters, which creates market distortion and increases expenses for the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa). The Ministry of Finance had sought unified insurance regulation for all market participants, but this failed to gain political approval. Bolt asserts that their voluntary insurance does not actually protect the user, and the Police and Border Guard Board stresses the necessity for improved and unified regulation.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The address points out that the draft legislation will help reduce injuries and potential fatalities, but ultimately questions whether the esteemed Riigikogu Chairman Lauri Hussar will accept responsibility for future consequences should he urge his colleagues not to vote in favor of the bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Peeter Ernits to speak.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar explains that the Presiding Officer of the Riigikogu session puts the leading committee's proposal to a vote, rather than making the proposal himself, and asks Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to comment.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stresses that members of the Riigikogu bear responsibility for both the laws they pass and the laws they reject, and she calls for the draft legislation to be adopted before summer to ensure children’s health and safety in traffic.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Andrei Korobeinik forward.
Andrei Korobeinik
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Andrei Korobeinik points out that while local governments should perhaps be given more funding, the sheer amount of resources added to the Tallinn city government could lead to poor outcomes, citing the unsuccessful placement of benches, and asks for the legislator's stance on regulating light mopeds and scooters.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stresses that while she favors granting greater rights to local municipalities, she criticizes Tallinn's governance and expensive decisions over the past year, referencing the kobarkäkk.ee website. Despite this criticism, she still supports the draft legislation, arguing that other municipalities may require supplementary regulations in the future.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked everyone and announced that there were no further questions, then posed a question to Peeter Ernits regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits apologizes and asks who is actually responsible for the draft law—the Speaker of the Riigikogu, the Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee Marek Reinaas, or Urve Tiidus—and emphasizes that responsibility is important.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
In this instance, we must adhere to the Rules of Procedure and Internal Order, which stipulate that the Chair must put the proposal to a vote and does not possess discretionary power. I am now pleased to invite Urve Tiidus, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee, to introduce the discussion.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Economic Affairs Committee discussed draft bill 614, which would grant local governments the discretion to limit the number of rental vehicles and establish requirements for age verification and helmet provision, but the government's stance and safety-related arguments prompted two proposals: to either place the bill on the plenary session agenda or reject it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman offered his thanks, called for questions, and gave the floor to Lauri Laats.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats raises the question of how to improve the safety of light traffic users and pedestrians and why the coalition is not supporting the draft bill, while simultaneously asking what solutions have been discussed in the committee.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus stated that the topic concerning the draft legislation has not been discussed merely in general terms, and problems have surfaced. She confirmed that the amendments to the Traffic Law granted significant powers to local governments, but their implementation has not yet been widely enforced. She stressed the importance of risk assessment, home upbringing, and the role of municipalities, and affirmed that there is no ideal solution. Furthermore, a complete ban in large cities is not sensible if we wish to promote sustainable and environmentally conscious mobility.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart stresses that the traffic law amendments that have been implemented are inadequate, and children require further regulation and additional protection. She also notes that the Reform Party faction and the Tallinn City Government hold conflicting positions on this matter.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus noted that she is not a member of the Tallinn City Council, and most of the Economic Affairs Committee probably isn't either, and asked Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to approach the local council members and ask why this is the case, while emphasizing that the vote has not yet taken place.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the rapporteur, announced that there were no more questions, and subsequently opened the debate, inviting Vadim Belobrovtsev to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak on behalf of the Centre Party faction.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the number of light personal mobility devices is growing rapidly and regulation is absent. They see the solution as the state granting greater regulatory authority to local municipalities, a measure which has also been supported by the City of Tallinn. However, the state has not yet made a final decision, and additional time is required.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requested three more minutes.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In short: Belobrovtsev notes that there is often a tendency in parliament to view opposition initiatives as masking hidden interests, along with the risks accompanying the issue of light traffic and auto-mopeds. And although the Tallinn City Council has unanimously supported this through three draft resolutions, the support of all parties in the chamber is not yet guaranteed, because while the Centre Party supported the SDE initiative in the committee, the SDE itself did not support it—which he hopes is merely a technical glitch.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks the audience, announces that his address is on behalf of the Reform Party faction, and invites Mati Raidma to take the floor.
Mati Raidma
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He emphasized that the problem exists and must be solved, and the correct path is to approach the Tallinn City Government, which would then appeal to the Government of the Republic, rather than through the current political race.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi concluded the negotiations and announced that the steering committee’s proposal to reject Draft Law 614 during its first reading would be put to a vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted with 42 in favor and 15 against, with no abstentions recorded; Draft Act 614 was rejected and consequently dropped from proceedings.