The Dominican government has initiated a nationwide regulatory framework for electric scooters in response to escalating safety incidents involving minors. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful confirmed that security agencies will convene this week to establish comprehensive guidelines aimed at enhancing public safety.
This decisive action follows mounting public alarm and preliminary local measures, including the recent removal of e-scooters from streets in San Francisco de Macorís by Mayor Alex Díaz. The government’s response also aligns with urgent calls from Listín Diario editorial that highlighted the critical need for legal provisions restricting underage usage, mandating protective helmets, and developing dedicated infrastructure including bicycle lanes.
Authorities anticipate the new regulations will achieve three primary objectives: significant reduction in minor-involved accidents, enhanced pedestrian protection, and accelerated development of specialized mobility infrastructure. The regulatory approach represents a proactive response to evolving urban transportation challenges while balancing technological innovation with public safety requirements.
The forthcoming framework marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to light mobility vehicles, potentially establishing precedent-setting standards for similar regulations across the Caribbean region.