The Hong Kong government will submit a proposal to the legislature next year on regulating the use of electronic bicycles, scooters and other electric mobility devices, the city’s transport chief has said.
The regulatory framework will focus on limiting the locations where the devices may be used, as well as regulating products that are currently banned under the Road Traffic Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan told the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday.
The government said in June 2023 that it would commence a legislative amendment exercise on electric mobility devices.
Chan said on Wednesday that the authorities aim to submit the proposal to the legislature for scrutiny next year.
In response to questions raised by lawmaker Lau Kwok-fan, Chan said the government had been “open” to new technologies for promoting green commuting, while attaching great importance to road safety.
The minister said motorised personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters, unicycles, hoverboards, and power-assisted pedal cycles, may be used for short-distance commutes or to connect transport between railway stations.
The former should be used on selected cycle tracks, Chan said, citing the Transport Department’s discussions with other government units on building comprehensive cycle track networks in new development zones, including the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area.
The department will also select cycle tracks in other areas that can accommodate both bicycles and electric mobility devices.
For power-assisted pedal cycles, Chan said the authorities plan to allow them on all cycle tracks, given that they operate in a similar way to bicycles.
Chan also cited public reservations and concerns over the potential risks of allowing electric mobility devices in locations other than cycle tracks. She said the government would “carefully consider” different views to ensure road safety.
The proposed regulation will cover technical and safety requirements for the devices, and the authorities may require third-party certification bodies to test such specifications, Chan said.
Only certified devices with a QR code label will be allowed for use.
See also: 5 Hong Kong men arrested over using electric bicycles and scooters
The government plans to impose an age limit on users of electric mobility devices, requiring them to be at least 16 years old, and they must wear a helmet. The Transport Department will also work on a code of practice for riders.
The proposed penalties for road violations should be similar to those for cycling, Chan said. At present, reckless cycling can result in a fine of HK$500 for a first conviction.
In 2023, the police arrested 267 people for the illegal use of electric devices, according to data from the Transport Department. The number of arrests in 2021 and 2022 was 207 and 236, respectively.
