Riders of electric scooters and e-bikes will be required to wear helmets in a proposed bill on regulating personal electric transport devices, which is expected to be tabled next year, Secretary for Transport Mable Chan revealed today.
In a reply to lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan’s question at the Legislative Council, Chan said the aim of such legislation is to improve road safety while supporting the growing use of these devices as green, convenient transport options.
Officially referred to as electric mobility devices (EMDs), they have become increasingly common, especially among food delivery workers. However, the rise in popularity has also led to safety concerns.
The upcoming legislation will require all EMDs to pass third-party safety certification before being sold or used. Devices must meet international standards, especially for battery safety, and will need to display a QR-coded certification label, Chan said.
Both physical and online retailers will be restricted to selling approved products, she added.
To enhance road safety, authorities plan to require users to be at least 16 years old and wear helmets. They are also considering written tests or “green card” requirements to ensure users understand traffic rules.
A working group is drafting a code of practice covering technical specifications, usage guidelines, and operational rules, the transport chief revealed.
Power-assisted pedal cycles (PAPCs) will be permitted on all cycle tracks, as they operate similarly to bicycles. The government is also exploring whether EMDs could be allowed on other roads, particularly in newly developed areas with lighter traffic.
For penalties, they will be based on the severity of the offense, Chan said, with minor violations likely to be handled like bicycle infractions, while more serious offenses could face tougher penalties.
The proposed legislation is expected to be submitted to LegCo next year, following consultations with industry stakeholders, safety experts, and community representatives.
In Hong Kong today, EMDs such as electric scooters, e-bikes and similar devices, operate in a legal grey zone. According to the Transport Department website, “Currently, any use of EMDs may be illegal.”
EMDs are classified as “motor vehicles” under the Road Traffic Ordinance and have to be registered or licensed for general road use, a requirement these devices typically cannot meet, making their operation on public roads, pedestrian footpaths, and cycle tracks illegal.
Offenders can face prosecution and even arrest.
(Paris Wang)
