Unregulated Electric Scooters: A Growing Concern in Quintana Roo

Electric scooters and moto-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in the tourist hotspots of Quintana Roo. However, their use is largely unregulated, posing a potential risk to both riders and pedestrians. These vehicles are commonly found in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Cancún, where rental services are readily available.

According to the General Mobility Law, these vehicles are classified as "recreational" and are not permitted on public roads. Despite this, hundreds of tourists and locals are seen riding them without helmets or safety gear on the main avenues of Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Efraín García Chávez, the Director of Traffic in Quintana Roo, has reported accidents involving these vehicles. He explains that the lack of regulation is due to an outdated State Traffic Regulation, which was established 30 years ago when such vehicles did not exist.

One of the main attractions of these vehicles is their cost. An electric bicycle can be purchased for six thousand pesos, offering similar functionality to a twenty thousand peso moped. Electric scooters are even more affordable, priced around three thousand pesos.

These vehicles are particularly popular among young people due to their speed, which can reach between 10 to 35 kilometers per hour. With a single 40-minute charge, they can cover a distance of 25 kilometers, provided the rider's weight does not exceed 80 kilos.

Because these vehicles are not regulated, Traffic officers and the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute can only encourage users to wear helmets and use designated spaces. However, these recommendations are often ignored. Traffic authorities are hopeful that regulations for these vehicles will soon be updated to ensure the safety of all road users.