KATHMANDU, June 7: The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has recently issued a 15-day ultimatum to all the electric scooter owners in the Kathmandu Valley to get their vehicles registered at the department.

The move comes amid reports that hundreds of un-registered e-scooters are plying the roads in Kathmandu. The new rule has become effective from June 2. 

The owners of the un-registered e-scooters will face action if they did not register their vehicles within June 17, according to officials at the DoTM. "We have noticed that un-registered e-scooters are plying the roads in Kathmandu. The owners of the un-registered e-scooters will face action as per existing laws," Information Officer at the DoTM, Tirtha Raj Khanal told Republica Online on Friday.

Khanal said that the department will seize the e-scooters if they are found plying the roads without being registered at the department. According to the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, 2049, the firm, agent or company should register their vehicles within 15 days at the DoTM after they are imported from abroad.   

The number of people using electric scooters is growing in the capital as these vehicles are eco-friendly and cheaper.

According to the data provided by the DoTM, more than 200 e-scooters have been registered till January in Province-3.

DSP at Metropolitan Traffic Police Padam Bahadur Bista said that it is mandatory for the e-scooter owners to get registered at the DoTM and wear a helmet while driving. The department will strictly monitor the e-scooters plying the roads in the Kathmandu Valley, according to officials.

The unregistered scooter rider will face action in accordance with the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, 2049 (193) section 160. The department will fine up to Rs 1000 to 5000 for the unruly drivers.

Last week, the Ministry of Transport had instructed the DoTM to implement the new rule in Kathmandu. 

 
• e-scooters
 
• ultimatum
 
• Department_of_Transport_Management