Mopeds and scooters remain 18+ as traffic police clarify new rule for 10–16-year-olds

Mongolia’s cabinet decided at its October 14 meeting to amend the Traffic Rules regarding scooters, e-bikes and mopeds. Justice and Home Affairs Minister G. Temuulen said the main change was to clarify age limits, and the Traffic Police Department later added a clarification.

What the minister said

According to ikon.mn, Temuulen said: “There are about 34,000 mopeds and scooters nationwide and eight rental companies. Accidents and injuries involving mopeds and scooters have increased over the past two years. About 200 children and young people were injured in 2025, and this year the figure has risen to 330.” As he presented it, the amended rules provide that:

• children under 10 may not take part in traffic in any form without a guardian;
• children aged 10–16 ride on pavements and cycle lanes;
• people aged 18 and over may operate e-bikes, mopeds and scooters.

He added that the amendments also set out responsibilities clearly so that the previously adopted law is fully enforced.

Traffic police clarification

Because the minister’s remark that “10–16-year-olds may travel on pavements and cycle lanes with these vehicles” caused confusion, ikon.mn asked the Traffic Police Department for clarification. The department said the rules previously allowed 10–14-year-olds to ride ordinary bicycles on pavements and cycle lanes, and this has been extended to ages 10–16, while the legal provision that only people aged 18 and over may use e-bikes, scooters and mopeds remains in force.

Parliament had earlier passed amendments to the Law on Road Traffic Safety barring under-18s from riding scooters, mopeds and Surron-type e-motorbikes, the Ministry of Road and Transport said at the time.

Reaction on X

A clip of the minister’s announcement spread widely on X on Wednesday, and on the morning of October 15 many users objected, citing pedestrian safety. Some called for the minister to resign, while a few users defended scooters as useful for everyday errands.

Sources: Ikon.mn; MassTV; Ministry of Road and Transport (mrt.gov.mn); e-zasag.mn; posts on X (metrics as of 10:22 UB, Oct. 15, 2026).