New Micromobility Rules Pending in Playa del Carmen

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – The new Municipal Transit Regulations, which seek to regulate the use of scooters, electric bicycles, and modified motorcycles, remain pending approval despite having already been presented to the various involved sectors, according to Councilman Orlando Muñoz Gómez, president of the Citizen Security Commission.

The official stated that the document was delivered to the Secretary General for review, but the process has been delayed due to administrative changes and pending observations from some council members.

"I had already presented the regulations and the report for the Commission's analysis, but we have not managed to move forward; if it's not stalled by a change of director, it's stalled because some colleagues have not been able to validate or issue a ruling," he explained.

Muñoz Gómez detailed that the new regulations aim to address the legal gaps that exist concerning electric micromobility vehicles, such as scooters and electric motorcycles, which are not currently classified in a precise manner.

"We have electric motorcycles circulating like scooters on the roads, but they are not classified as motorcycles because they don't use gasoline, nor as bicycles because they are larger. That is what has been affecting us," he commented.

The councilman emphasized that these vehicles should be regulated the same as a traditional motorcycle, given that they pose similar risks. "Even though they are electric, they have a motor, and if they circulate in prohibited zones, they can cause serious accidents," he commented.

Among the proposals included in the new regulations is the possibility of requiring basic insurance for those who use scooters or electric motorcycles, with an approximate cost of 100 pesos per month. "It would be an accessible insurance, not exceeding 1,200 pesos per year, to protect both the driver and third parties," he indicated.

Finally, Muñoz Gómez pointed out that beyond the regulation of this type of vehicle, a citizen awareness campaign is also necessary. "Regulations are useless if no one complies with them. The Director of Transit has already committed to issuing recommendations and awareness-raising actions. It is for the safety of everyone," he concluded.