Türkiye tightens shared e-scooter rules

Source: Hürriyet Daily News, Daily Sabah

Türkiye has introduced a new regulatory framework governing the deployment and operation of shared electric scooters, with the updates to existing regulations outlined in the Official Gazette, a journal which publishes new legislation and other official announcements. Geo-fencing, data-tracking and speed restrictions are all included in the updated regulations.

Software-based controls will be used to implement geo-fencing, restricting e-scooters from entering specific areas, or limiting the actions which riders can take within certain zones. Riders will receive audible alerts when approaching restricted areas, and scooters will be automatically slowed to 6 km/h. The Transport Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has stated that the rules on speed limits and restricted zones are mandatory, and will be enforced in collaboration with local traffic authorities.

Fleet operators now need to ensure the recording of data on each scooter: serial, plate and ID numbers, and real-time location data will be logged in the national digital tracking and data-sharing platform U-Net. While in use, scooters will transmit location once every three minutes, and parked scooters once every ten minutes. Movement of a scooter outside of active use will be reported immediately, and fleet operators will report monthly on accident and complaints to U-Net.

The operating conditions for e-scooter companies have been outlined. Permits will be valid for two years, and one-year extensions are available, upon fee payment, if no new permit applications are filed. Authorised quotas will be set for each district, in which operators must maintain at least 70% from March-October and 40% from November-February, and may not exceed 130%.

Operators must provide a 24/7 call center, or an equivalent mobile app. The apps must display scooter locations, battery level, estimated range, restricted zone information, real-time pricing, and carbon-footprint comparison information.

A requirement due to come into force on July 1, 2026, is that 30% of fleets must be manufactured in Türkiye.