Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Submitting a proposal to the Government of the Republic to initiate a bill amending the Traffic Act, which grants local governments the right to restrict or prohibit the use of rental electric scooters and mopeds" (618 OE)
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on increasing the powers of local authorities in regulating shared light mobility devices. The primary objective is to resolve the issues of traffic safety and the sensible use of urban space, which have arisen due to shortcomings in the current legal framework. This is a policy- and safety-driven approach that requires swift reform.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of traffic law and urban planning, focusing specifically on the regulatory shortcomings concerning rentable light personal mobility devices and small mopeds. They detail problems such as the uncontrolled volume of vehicles and the use of sidewalks as storage depots, which clearly indicates a deep understanding of the practical realities on the ground. This expertise is further evident in the emphasis placed on the need to provide local municipalities with superior regulatory instruments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal and explanatory, yet simultaneously insistent, stressing the necessity of the draft bill ("a very necessary bill"). He/She uses logical arguments concerning the legal framework and safety, supplementing them with vivid descriptions (e.g., crowded sidewalks) to give listeners a clear understanding of the scope of the issue. The tone is persuasive and seeks broad-based support.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The focus of activity centers on legislative work in the Riigikogu, presenting the first reading of a draft resolution initiated by the Isamaa party. The prior discussion of the topic in the Economic Affairs Committee is also mentioned. The speaker is an active initiator and advocate regarding the need for this specific regulation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The direct opposition is not criticized, but emphasis is placed on the need to reform the current unregulated situation, which allows rental companies to expand uncontrollably. The criticism is aimed instead at the deficiencies in the legal framework, which prevent local municipalities from regulating adequately. There is a warning that the market's uncontrolled growth (another five or six companies joining) will lead to traffic gridlock.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to collaboration, stressing that two other political parties have put forward proposals of the same substance. They urge support for the draft bill regardless of party affiliation and point to the Tallinn ruling coalition's consensus on the necessity of the regulation. The style is one of seeking compromise and aiming for broad-based support.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at Estonia’s major cities and the problems faced by local municipalities struggling with the excessive number of rental light mobility devices. The objective of the draft legislation is to grant local governments the authority to regulate the situation within their territory based on community needs.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives acknowledge the free market economy and entrepreneurs, but they emphasize that the uncontrolled activities of rental companies in public spaces require state intervention and reform. The objective is to balance entrepreneurial freedom with the reasonable and safe use of urban space, preventing sidewalks from turning into storage depots.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue concerns road safety and the secure utilization of public space, with a particular focus on pedestrian protection. It is emphasized that the volume of rental vehicles is disrupting pedestrians and other road users, making it necessary to guarantee safe movement for all modes of transport, including those traveling on foot.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on making a proposal to the Government of the Republic to initiate a draft amendment to the Traffic Act. The speaker is the initiator, whose aim is to grant local governments the right to restrict or prohibit the use of rented light personal transporters within their territory, rather than establishing new national prohibitions.
5 Speeches Analyzed