Otis Singleton
Electric scooters are a popular mode of transport in Hong Kong, but their use has been a legal grey area. Electric mobility devices (EMDs) are currently banned from public roads and footpaths, and their usage is largely confined to private properties and recreational venues. However, the Hong Kong government is reviewing the regulation of EMDs, and is set to legalise their use on designated cycle tracks with a speed limit imposed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric scooters' legal status in Hong Kong | Currently, electric scooters are not permitted for use on roads, carriageways, footpaths, or cycle tracks in Hong Kong. However, the Transport Department is reviewing the regulation and considering a trial scheme for their usage on designated cycling tracks with strict restrictions. |
| Regulatory body | The Transport Department (TD) in Hong Kong is responsible for overseeing the regulations related to electric mobility devices (EMD), including electric scooters. |
| Safety concerns | The TD has expressed concerns about the safety of EMDs, particularly regarding their use on narrow and congested local roads and pavements. There have been reports of accidents and deaths related to EMD usage. |
| Product safety | EMDs sold in the market are not currently subject to product safety regulations, and there have been incidents of fires caused by overheating batteries during charging. |
| Insurance coverage | There is no third-party insurance coverage for victims involved in traffic accidents caused by the illegal usage of EMDs. |
| Future plans | Hong Kong is considering legalizing electric scooters for use on cycle tracks with a speed limit of 25km/h and weight and width restrictions. The trial scheme is expected to be implemented by the end of 2024. |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric scooters are currently illegal on public roads and footpaths in Hong Kong
- Electric mobility devices are defined as mechanically propelled and are categorised as motor vehicles
- Electric scooters are gaining popularity in Hong Kong, with imports reaching 1.16 million units in 2018
- Hong Kong is set to legalise electric scooters with a speed cap of 25km/h
- Electric scooters pose safety threats to drivers, pedestrians and users themselves
Electric scooters are currently illegal on public roads and footpaths in Hong Kong
Electric mobility devices (EMDs) such as electric scooters, electric unicycles, electric hoverboards, electric skateboards, and electric bicycles have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong. While they are commonly used for recreational purposes, they are also used for commuting on pavements or bicycle lanes.
EMDs are currently illegal on public roads and footpaths in Hong Kong. The Transport Department (TD) considers them “motor vehicles” under the Road Traffic Ordinance (RTO) due to their "mechanically propelled" nature. As such, they are subject to RTO regulations, and the TD has not licensed any EMDs for public road use. The TD views that EMDs are not suitable for local roads and pavements as they are too narrow and congested, which can pose safety threats to vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and EMD users themselves.
The current illegal status of EMDs on public roads and footpaths in Hong Kong raises several concerns. Firstly, there is no third-party insurance coverage for victims involved in traffic accidents caused by illegal EMD usage. Secondly, EMDs sold in the market are not subject to product safety regulations, and there have been incidents of devices catching fire due to short-circuiting during charging. Thirdly, the existing legislation (RTO) may be disproportionately stringent towards EMDs, not adequately considering their innovative features and contributions to society.
Despite the illegal status, the TD is reviewing the regulation of EMDs in the "Consultancy Study on Enhancing Walkability in Hong Kong." The study considers factors like technological advancements and overseas regulatory trends. The TD will decide whether to introduce a regulatory scheme and trial scheme for EMDs based on the study findings. There are plans to legalize EMDs on designated cycling tracks with strict restrictions, including speed limits and weight and width limitations.
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Electric mobility devices are defined as mechanically propelled and are categorised as motor vehicles
Electric mobility devices (EMDs) have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong, with imports reaching 1.16 million units in 2018. EMDs include electric scooters, electric unicycles, electric bicycles, pedelecs, and self-balancing hoverboards.
EMDs are defined as "mechanically propelled" and are thus categorized as "motor vehicles" by the Transport Department (TD) when used as commuting devices in public spaces. This means that they are subject to the regulation of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (RTO). As a result, the legal usage of EMDs is largely confined to private properties, recreational or sports venues.
The TD has not licensed any EMDs for public commuting due to heightened risks. However, they are reviewing the EMD regulation in the "Consultancy Study on Enhancing Walkability in Hong Kong," considering factors like technological advancements and overseas regulatory trends. The study was expected to be completed by mid-2020, and the government indicated it would consider introducing a regulatory scheme and trial scheme for EMDs based on the findings.
Hong Kong is set to legalize the use of EMDs on cycle tracks with strict restrictions, including a speed limit of 25km/h. This decision is informed by case studies from other countries, which have shown a reduction in accidents when speed limits are enforced. The devices must also have a weight of less than 20kg and a width not exceeding 65cm.
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Electric scooters are gaining popularity in Hong Kong, with imports reaching 1.16 million units in 2018
Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. In 2018, the import of electric mobility devices (EMDs), which include electric scooters, reached 1.16 million units. This popularity is also seen in their usage, with electric scooters being utilised for recreational purposes and short-distance commuting.
Despite their growing popularity, electric scooters are currently not legal for use on roads, carriageways, footpaths, or cycle tracks in Hong Kong. The Transport Department (TD) considers these devices as "'motor vehicles' under the Road Traffic Ordinance (RTO), and thus, they are subject to regulation. The TD has not licensed any EMDs for public road usage due to safety concerns, narrow and congested local roads, and the lack of relevant product safety regulations.
However, there are indications that the Hong Kong government is moving towards legalising electric scooters. The TD is reviewing the regulation of EMDs, considering factors like technological advancements and overseas regulatory trends. The review is expected to be completed by mid-2020, and the government will then decide whether to introduce a regulatory scheme for EMDs.
In the meantime, the use of electric scooters is largely confined to private properties, recreational venues, and sports venues. There are also plans to legalise electric scooters for use on designated cycle tracks with strict restrictions, including a speed limit of 25km/h and weight and width limitations. This trial scheme is expected to be implemented in Tseung Kwan O and Pak Shek Kok, with the aim of aiding citizens in remote areas and helping Hong Kong become a smart city.
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Hong Kong is set to legalise electric scooters with a speed cap of 25km/h
Electric mobility devices (EMDs) have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong in recent years. These include e-scooters, e-unicycles, e-bicycles, pedelecs, and self-balancing hoverboards. However, their use has largely been confined to private properties, recreational venues, or sports venues. This is because, under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), EMDs are categorized as "motor vehicles," and as such, their use in public spaces is regulated.
The Hong Kong government is now reviewing the regulation of EMDs, taking into account factors such as technological advancements and overseas regulatory trends. As part of this review, the Transport Department (TD) is studying the regulatory arrangement for EMDs to ensure their compliance with relevant technical and safety standards. It is suggested that only certified EMDs would be allowed on designated cycling tracks in the future.
Hong Kong is now set to legalise electric scooters and bicycles on cycle tracks, with a speed cap of 25km/h. Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, an adviser on the TD's electric mobility devices committee, announced that the government will, at the earliest, legalise the use of EMDs by the end of 2024. He cited case studies from other countries, such as Singapore, where a speed limit of 25km/h for EMDs has drastically reduced the number of accidents.
The trial scheme will cover cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O and Pak Shek Kok, with strict restrictions in place. Devices must weigh less than 20kg and be no wider than 65cm. Hoverboards will be excluded from the plan as they lack headlights and brakes. Once the speed limit is exceeded, the device will power off.
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Electric scooters pose safety threats to drivers, pedestrians and users themselves
Electric scooters are currently classified as "motor vehicles" in Hong Kong, and their usage is confined to "private properties, recreational or sports venues". This is due to the heightened risks they pose to vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and users themselves.
Firstly, electric scooters can pose a safety threat to drivers when used on roads. The scooters' narrow structure and high speed can make them difficult for drivers to see and avoid, potentially leading to collisions. In addition, the absence of uniform regulations and safety standards for electric scooters means that their use on roads can be unpredictable and increase the risk of accidents.
Secondly, electric scooters can be a danger to pedestrians, particularly when used on pavements or bicycle lanes. Improperly parked scooters can obstruct walkways and create tripping hazards, causing injuries or even fatalities among pedestrians. The heavy and awkward base of some scooters can make them difficult to move, further endangering pedestrians.
Moreover, electric scooters can pose a safety threat to their users. Head and face injuries are the most common type of injury sustained by riders involved in collisions. The lack of third-party insurance coverage for victims of electric scooter accidents further exacerbates the risk for users. Additionally, the quality of batteries in electric scooters varies, and they may leak or overheat during charging, posing a fire risk.
While electric scooters offer convenience and recreational enjoyment, their usage must be regulated to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and users themselves. The Transport Department in Hong Kong is currently reviewing the regulatory arrangement for electric scooters to address these safety concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are currently illegal to use on roads, carriageways, footpaths, or cycle tracks in Hong Kong. However, the Hong Kong government is set to legalize electric scooters on cycle tracks with a speed limit imposed.
Electric scooters are categorized as "motor vehicles" under the Road Traffic Ordinance (RTO) due to their "mechanically propelled" nature. This means that they are subject to the same regulations as motor vehicles when used in public spaces.
The Transport Department (TD) has stated that electric scooters are "not suitable" for use on local roads and pavements due to their narrow and congested nature. There have also been safety concerns raised about the quality of batteries in electric scooters, which may leak or overheat during charging, posing a fire risk.
Yes, the Hong Kong government is reviewing the regulation of electric scooters and is considering a trial scheme for their use. The government has stated that it will take into account factors such as technological advancements and overseas regulatory trends.
There is no definitive timeline for the legalization of electric scooters in Hong Kong. However, Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, an adviser on the Transport Department's electric mobility devices committee, has stated that the government will legalize the use of electric scooters by the end of 2024 at the earliest.
