decreased demand for ski rentals in Russia by 6%
In a surprising turn of events, electric scooter sales in Russia have seen a significant increase, rising by 1.5 times in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This surge can be attributed to the tightening of fines for users of rental services like MIM and other penalties.
However, not all news is positive for the kick scooter industry. Whoosh, the largest operator of kick scooters, experienced a 14.7% year-on-year decrease in revenue for the first half of 2025, amounting to 5.36 billion rubles, with a net loss of 1.9 billion rubles. This marks a stark contrast to their profits a year earlier, which stood at 259 million rubles.
MTS Yurent, another player in the market, did not disclose financial results but reported a 42% year-on-year increase in the number of trips through their service, reaching 54.2 million.
The increase in sales and usage of electric scooters has not gone unnoticed by city authorities. While no Russian cities have announced plans for a complete ban on electric roller skates in traffic, certain zones in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi have introduced restrictions on kick scooter use. In Vladivostok, it is prohibited to use scooters in the city center at night.
MIM, a popular rental service, is under a complete ban in Blagoveshchensk since July 14. Account blocking is another penalty that has contributed to the increase in demand for electric scooters.
Elena Varlamova, director of the business and asset valuation practice at Neo, identifies disruptions in mobile internet service as the second problem affecting the use of kick scooters. Whoosh also acknowledges this issue as a significant concern.
The summer season for self-propelled scooters began in June instead of March in 2025. Analysts at "Platform OFD" attribute the decline in interest in kick scooters during the summer months to poor weather in the central part of the country.
In a positive move for users, MTS Yurent has increased the number of payment methods for their services and introduced "minute packages" that cover 5-20 trips. Perm, on the other hand, has suspended the operation of kick scooter services.
The electric scooter industry in Russia continues to face challenges, but the surge in sales suggests a resilient market. As regulations evolve and technological issues are addressed, we can expect to see further developments in this exciting sector.
