Colombia's Ministry of Transport issued a resolution on Aug. 5 [1] regulating electric scooters, unicycles, and bicycles in Bogota and nationwide.
The measure aims to organize the rapid growth of micromobility to protect pedestrians and cyclists. By establishing clear rules, the government seeks to reduce accidents and resolve conflicts over the use of urban public spaces.
Under the new regulations, users of these electric vehicles are now required to wear helmets [1]. The resolution also establishes specific speed limits to prevent high-speed collisions in crowded areas [1]. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, the Ministry of Transport prohibited the use of these vehicles on sidewalks [1].
While sidewalks are off-limits, the resolution clarifies that these micromobility vehicles may use designated bike lanes, known as ciclorrutas [2]. This shift is intended to move motorized light vehicles away from foot traffic and into controlled lanes designed for wheeled transport.
The Ministry of Transport developed these rules following a draft resolution presented in May 2026 [3]. The final version addresses the legal vacuum that previously existed regarding the classification and operation of electric scooters and similar light vehicles in the capital city.
Local authorities in Bogota are expected to oversee the enforcement of these mandates. The resolution applies to a wide range of micromobility tools, including electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other light electric vehicles [2].
“The Ministry of Transport prohibited the use of these vehicles on sidewalks.”
This regulatory move signals a transition from an unregulated 'wild west' phase of urban micromobility to a structured legal framework. By banning sidewalk use and mandating safety gear, Bogota is attempting to integrate electric transport into its existing infrastructure without compromising pedestrian safety, potentially setting a precedent for other Latin American cities facing similar urban congestion challenges.
