As the spring season returns and micromobility tools make a comeback on the streets of Latvia, new regulations regarding the rental of electric scooters and bicycles will come into effect from April 1st. According to amendments made to the Road Traffic Law by the Saeima last year, rental companies must ensure that users hold a valid driver’s license and conduct checks to determine if the user is sober before each ride. Although the vehicles will not be equipped with breathalyzers, the checks will be done through a mobile app.

Users will need to complete a reaction test in the respective rental company's application prior to starting their ride. This test is designed to assess the user's ability to respond quickly, mimicking a traffic light scenario where users must tap a button as soon as the light turns green after it has been red. The rental companies are currently preparing their specific reaction tests, which will be conceptually similar to the Department of Transport’s online reaction test.

The introduction of these new tests has sparked criticism from the rental industry, which questions the feasibility and effectiveness of such regulations. Concerns have been raised about the practicality of smartphone-based testing and whether it accurately assesses the users' capabilities. While the intent behind the regulations is to enhance road safety and responsibility among micromobility users, the industry advocates for more effective solutions to ensure safety without these strict measures.