Backlash Erupts After Bucha Mayor Posts Scooter Selfie in Brussels

Ukraine's E-Scooter Dilemma

According to Главком: Anatoliy Fedoruk, the mayor of Bucha, has drawn sharp criticism after sharing a photo of himself riding an electric scooter while on a work trip to the Belgian capital. The image, posted on social media, quickly sparked outrage among Ukrainians, who are increasingly concerned about the rising number of accidents involving e-scooters at home. Critics also took issue with the state of Bucha's infrastructure and questioned how public funds are being allocated. Fedoruk explained that e-scooters are a common mode of transport in Brussels, where he is traveling for professional reasons.

Safety Concerns and Public Backlash

Many commentators slammed the mayor's post as tone-deaf, arguing that Ukraine urgently needs clear regulations for e-scooter use. Particular criticism focused on Fedoruk's lack of a helmet and protective gear in the photo. This debate comes in the wake of recent tragedies on Ukrainian roads:

• On May 3, a fatal collision between an e-scooter and a Peugeot car in the village of Hatne, near Kyiv, killed a 10-year-old boy. An 8-year-old child was injured and hospitalized in the capital.
• In Vinnytsia, a 45-year-old Ford driver struck a 10-year-old boy on an e-scooter, who was also taken to the hospital.

Residents of Bucha have further voiced frustration over the lack of bike lanes and proper sidewalks, making safe scooter travel nearly impossible. Complaints about poor urban maintenance, dust, and neglected green spaces have only added to the public anger.

Defending his choice of transport, Anatoliy Fedoruk described e-scooters as 'fast, traffic-free, eco-friendly, and convenient for people.'

He also expressed hope that residents of Bucha would soon be able to comfortably use Enerhetykiv Street.

The controversy underscores the urgent need for Ukraine to establish clear safety standards and regulations for e-scooters. With accident numbers climbing, local authorities face mounting pressure to improve infrastructure that ensures safe mobility for all. At the same time, the public is closely scrutinizing how municipal budgets are spent, a concern that resonates deeply among Bucha's residents.