News

The municipal institution “Pilsētsaimniecība” has granted SIA “Bolt Services LV” permission to deploy shared mobility vehicles and provide services in Jelgava starting Wednesday, April 1. Please note that Jelgava has established clear restrictions regarding both scooter parking and speed. Users of rental e-scooters should be aware that this year mandatory identity verification will be required – the service will only be available after verification of an ID card and valid driving license. Additionally, before each ride, users will need to complete a short reaction test, which will serve as an additional safety mechanism.

Changes introduced this year in the Road Traffic Law include administrative liability and fines for riding an e-scooter without a bicycle or any category of driving license, as well as fines for violations related to the technical condition of e-scooters.

Residents using shared vehicles should be aware that Jelgava has clear restrictions on both parking and speed. According to municipal regulations No. 24-17 “Regulations on the Use of Shared Mobility Vehicles,” these vehicles are prohibited from being parked on bridges, overpasses, bicycle paths, in the middle of sidewalks, or on tactile paving strips. They must not obstruct pedestrian or cyclist movement – after parking, at least a 1.5-meter-wide free passage must be left. Parking is also prohibited in green areas, ditches, car parks, children’s playgrounds, active recreation and sports zones, as well as other locations indicated on the municipality’s map on Jelgava.lv.

In addition, speed limits have been set in several areas of the city – the maximum permitted speed for shared e-scooters in these zones does not exceed 10 km/h. Rental operators operating in Jelgava are required to ensure that all these restrictions are integrated into their systems and enforced in practice.

E-scooter riding is prohibited in:
• The pedestrian bridge over the Driksa River – section from Driksa Street to Pasta (Post) Island
• Wooden boardwalks in the Svēte floodplain meadows
• Sidewalk on the railway overpass on Lietuvas Highway – section from the Pasta (Post) Street roundabout to Lietuvas Highway 2
• Areas marked with road sign No. 415 “Pedestrian Path”

Riding is allowed at speeds not exceeding 10 km/h in:
• Pasta (Post) Island, Pils Island
• Lielā Street (section from Jānis Čakste Boulevard to Brīvības Boulevard)
• Hercoga Jēkaba Square (park area and access road along Lielā Street 8)
• Square behind Jelgava Culture House
• Lietuvas Highway overpass (section from the Pasta (Post) Street roundabout to Lietuvas Highway 2)
• Bridges and overpasses within the city
• Near all educational institutions in Jelgava
• Driksa Street (section from Pasta (Post) Street to Katoļu Street)
• Raiņa Park
• Alunāna Park
• Stacijas Park
• Grēbnera Park
• Uzvaras Park

According to information provided by SIA “Bolt Services LV,” during the 2025 season the most active scooter user in Jelgava traveled 929 kilometers. Scooters are most frequently used between 2 PM and 5 PM, and the longest single ride reached 16.3 kilometers.

Jelgava Municipal Police remind that, according to the Road Traffic Law, registration of e-scooters is mandatory, and participation in traffic is allowed only with registered e-scooters bearing a state registration sticker attached to their structure. Persons under the age of 14 are prohibited from riding e-scooters. Individuals aged 14 and above may ride only if they possess a bicycle or any category of driving license.

Police also note that amendments to the Road Traffic Law came into force on February 1, 2026, introducing administrative liability for riding an e-scooter without a bicycle or any category of driving license. Specifically, such a violation results in a fine of five penalty units, equivalent to 25 euros. Violations related to technical requirements or manufacturer-defined parameters of e-scooters result in fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units, or 50 to 250 euros.

Providers of shared mobility services, including e-scooters, must also comply with a legal provision effective from April 1 requiring them to verify the user’s age via a mobile app or website and confirm possession of the appropriate driving license category before providing the service. Additionally, service providers must conduct a reaction ability test in the app prior to each ride to monitor potential influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Violations of these requirements may result in fines for legal entities ranging from 14 to 70 penalty units, or 70 to 350 euros.

The State Police and Jelgava Municipal Police urge e-scooter riders to be cautious and responsible, to follow traffic regulations, and to choose a safe riding speed. It is important to remember that riding under the influence is prohibited, and carrying passengers on an e-scooter is also forbidden, as it significantly increases the risk of losing balance and sustaining injuries. Transporting children is especially dangerous – in the event of a fall, serious injuries to the face, head, abdomen, and other parts of the body may occur. Traffic regulations require riders aged 14 to 17 to wear a properly fastened protective helmet, while helmet use is recommended for adults.