In Cotacachi, a town in the Imbabura province of Ecuador, local authorities have enacted a regulation to manage and oversee the use of micromobility vehicles, such as electric scooters and bikes. Approximately 200 vehicles have already been registered under this new ordinance, which was published in April 2025. The regulation aims to address existing issues stemming from the lack of oversight by the National Transit Agency (ANT) regarding the growing use of these electric mobility devices.

Mayor Jomar Cevallos emphasized that the introduction of local regulations was necessitated by various safety concerns related to micromobility vehicle usage. Many riders were violating traffic laws, not wearing helmets, and causing accidents by maneuvering through parks or on sidewalks. The new rules are designed to establish safer conditions for all road users and ensure that micromobility operators adhere to traffic signals and regulations.

The municipality's goal in implementing these regulations is to position Cotacachi as a safer and more appealing destination for tourists. By controlling the use of these vehicles and penalizing those who operate them recklessly, local authorities are hoping to reduce the number of accidents and enhance public safety, ultimately fostering a more organized urban environment for both residents and visitors.