Almaty designates parking spots for e-scooters
Tengrinews.kz — Almaty has established a unified parking system for electric scooters. All kick-sharing operators will now operate under a shared map of parking zones developed jointly with rental companies, the Almaty Akimat, the Road Traffic Management Center (RTMC), and the Unified Micromobility Operator.
The Akimat clarified that this is not about creating a single platform for all services. Each operator continues to use its own mobile application and information system. However, the principles of organizing parking, site placement, and speed limits are now unified for all market participants.
Why the number of parking spots was reduced
Previously, each service independently determined where trips could be ended. This resulted in an excessive number of virtual parking zones, which, combined with a large operating radius and GPS inaccuracies, meant users could effectively leave scooters almost anywhere. This led to chaotic parking on sidewalks and caused significant inconvenience for pedestrians.
To address this issue, the Almaty Akimat, together with operators, conducted a citywide survey and revised the locations of parking zones.
"The updated network was formed based on location logic and actual user needs: parking zones are provided near metro stations, public transport stops, major attractions, and other areas with steady demand for trips," the city administration's press service stated.
As a result, a network of 2,200 virtual parking zones was established. The Akimat emphasizes that the reduction in quantity should not impact service accessibility; rather, it aims to make parking more orderly and eliminate the ability to end rentals just anywhere.
By optimizing the number of sites, the ability to end an e-scooter rental in an arbitrary location is now significantly restricted.
Simultaneously, special road markings are being applied across the city. These first appeared on streets equipped with bicycle lanes and paths.
Photo: JET
New parking spots require city approval
While operators could previously expand their parking networks independently, new sites will now only be established following approval from the city.
The Akimat explained that decisions regarding additional parking spaces will be made jointly with kick-sharing operators. Factors such as scooter usage intensity, actual demand, and resident feedback will be taken into account.
Enforcement for improperly parked scooters
The Akimat reported that the Almaty Police Department is already taking enforcement measures against kick-sharing companies.
If scooters are placed in violation of requirements, police are authorized to take legal action, including impounding the electric scooters at specialized parking lots.
The Akimat has not yet specified whether it plans to introduce a separate system of fines directly for users who leave rented scooters outside of authorized parking zones.
Photo: Vladimir Prokopenko
How the unified map was created
Before launching the new scheme, all kick-sharing operators provided the RTMC with anonymized trip data, known as "heat maps." Based on this data, specialists analyzed the most popular routes and the locations where trips typically began and ended.
Following this, each prospective parking site was inspected on-site. Priority was given to locations that do not obstruct pedestrians, people with disabilities, or parents with strollers. If a potential parking spot was found to interfere with movement, it was moved to a safer location.
Currently, the parking zone map is only available within the kick-sharing operators' apps (appearing similar to the screenshot below). There is no unified, publicly accessible map as of yet.
The Akimat notes that the effectiveness of the new scheme will be analyzed based on operational results. If necessary, the location and number of parking zones may be adjusted.
As a reminder, starting August 25, new rules for electric scooter users will come into effect in Almaty. Riding on sidewalks will be prohibited, and rentals will only be available to adults holding a driver's license.
According to Saltanat Azirbek, the official spokesperson for the Police Department, increased enforcement will be implemented on Shevchenko and Kunaev streets, as well as Abay Avenue, where e-scooter traffic is most intense. Additionally, extra patrols will be stationed near schools and universities ahead of the new academic year.